islamabad - The demand of flowers, petals, garlands and wreaths has increased on the occasion of Eid in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Flower traders have already made arrangements for Eid and stored tons of rose petals in the cold storages located in industrial area of Islamabad and in some areas of Rawalpindi. Those flowers and petals will be brought in the market on 1st of Shawal.

It is an old tradition that on `Chand Raat’ people goes to mosque with floral garlands.to receive their relatives who were observing `Atiqaf’ in Last `Ashra’ of Ramzan.

Ali Nisar, while talking to APP said that his father was observing Itekaf at Jammia Masjid Murree road, so he wanted to buy a bouquet of flowers and petals but rates of flowers doubled. It is real business selling flowers and petals to people visiting graveyards of the twin cities. It is a tradition with Muslims to offer Fateha, place flowers and sprinkle rosewater at the graves of loved ones on Eid.

Flower shops at I-8, G-9 Markaz and other places were charging around Rs 300 for a bouquet, which is usually sold for Rs150 to Rs 200.

Besides, the rate of petals has also increased. Traders have not only reduced the size of packets but they have also doubled the price.

A flower trader, Hassan Ahmed said that “Eid festivals generate great demand for flowers. According to an estimate, a wholesaler sells around 70 to 80 kilograms of chrysanthemums daily, 45 bundles of tuberoses, 80 to 90 kilograms of roses and 80 to 90 bundles of cut flowers.”

Government employees and those working in private sector will visit houses of bosses for greeting Eid with bouquets and cakes.