Flowers, they play a major role in everyone’s life in this earth. But in India flowers hold religious belief as well. Whether it is a festival time or some important events of life like marriage, baby shower, buying anything or even death.
No matter what flowers are required and not in the quantity of a bouquet but in according to the need and the type of events. People often express their feeling by giving flowers. And when this becomes a business then only incredible things will happen.
Let’s explore the flower market of Kolkata
Kolkata the cultural capital of India and Howrah Bridge is the lifeline of this city not just for the commuter or tourist but also for the Asia’s biggest flower business.
Mullick Ghat Flower market is regarded as the Asia’s largest flower market. Who could have imagined that under a bridge a market this big could be established?
Credit: Google
At dawn, the market comes alive. The array of items for sale extends beyond mere flowers to encompass a plethora of floral arrangements and accessories. The bustling commerce encompasses a vast array of farmers, intermediaries, and merchants offering both goods and services.
An inherent, palpable order governs the chaos of the marketplace, though its structure remains elusive. This modus operandi has persisted for well over a century as the market continues to thrive.
Also read: Inside Apple’s First Retail Store in India: A Visual Treat
Dig deeper into the market’s history
Previously known as Nimai Mullick Ghat, the area now referred to as Mullick Ghat was originally constructed by Rammohan Mullick in 1855 to honor his father, Nimai Charan Mullick. Historic records indicate that the ghat was built on the site of the old Noyaner Ghat, constructed by an earlier family member, Noyanchand Mullick, in 1793.
Following this, Jadunath Mullick, a notable member of the family, undertook the renovation of Mullick Ghat from 1870-74, coinciding with the construction of a pontoon bridge just south of the current ghat. Adjacent to Mullick Ghat stands Jagannath Ghat, constructed by Shobharam Basak in 1760.
Credit: Google
The significance of these two ghats lay in their role as departure points for steam ships that transported pilgrims to Puri, Odisha.
Along with being a notable location for various events, Mullick Ghat played a pivotal role in Kolkata’s urban development. In 1879, the installation of a dynamo at the site allowed the pontoon bridge between Kolkata and Howrah to be illuminated.
Additionally, it was the inaugural spot for Kolkata’s pumping stations. According to historical references, Mullick Ghat displayed a pavilion of classical European style, complete with a matching dome. However, in later years, specifically from 1940 onwards, the ghat underwent significant changes and lost much of the colonial charm that once defined it.
Also read about:Consider a career in banking with Adda247.
What’s the story behind the setup of Asia’s largest flower market.
The origin of the flower trade in Mullick Ghat remains somewhat ambiguous, however, it is likely attributed to the religious pilgrimage to Puri. Undoubtedly, this factor contributed significantly to the flourishing of the market.
Credit: Google
At present, the region is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic, bustling, and densely populated areas along Kolkata’s Hooghly river. Know more about Meesho- Great Indian Startup
Mullick Ghat Flower market revenue
In a country where the requirement of flowers are there throughout the year. One could imagine the per day turnover in this business.
Credit: Google
The Mullick Ghat flower market, which has been in operation for over a century, attracts more than 200 flower vendors every day from 4am onwards. According to several reports, it generates a daily revenue of approximately Rs 1 crore. It is widely regarded as one of the largest flower markets in both India and Asia.
A blooming future of the flower business in Kolkata
Having new vendors arriving every new day to wash their hand in Asia’s biggest flower market. But the area is not enough to accommodate any new vendor after sometimes as the area is super busy throughout the year.
So, the Howrah municipal corporation has decided to open a flower market inside a complex and which will be called as “Bitaan”.
Bitan, the flower market situated in Howrah on Telkol Ghat Road, has been established on a sprawling 9,000 square feet area within an HMC building. The HMC chairperson, Sujoy Chakraborty has stated that this facility will be further developed to cater to the growing demand.
Credit: Google
The state government has invested Rs 1.7 crore in this project, with an additional budget of Rs 1 crore assigned for future expansion. The market will initiate operations with 85 stalls for flower vendors, and two cold storage units to ensure optimal preservation of the flowers. Also know about Cyclone Jawad Update: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh & West Bengal To Witness Heavy Rainfall
Bitan- Will it Change the prospect of this old flower market?
When HMC chairperson Sujoy Chakraborty was asked about the problems of the old flower market he said that the flower sellers have no mechanism to preserve the flowers for few days due to which they made losses.
Further to aggrieve their conditions, most of the sellers were not getting the right price for the items sold.
Credit: Google
Hence, this was made to ensure that the condition of the flower seller to increase. He expects an earning of Rs- Crore revenue.
Also read about: Mega Millions Jackpot Raises $1.1 Billion After No Winner Announced