Bhubaneswar/Berhampur, Feb 26: As Maha Shivratri celebrations grip Odisha, thousands of devotees throng temples, leading to an unprecedented demand for the rare Ketaki flower, also known as the screw pine flower. This once-a-year offering to Lord Shiva has witnessed a steep price hike due to its limited availability.
Ahead of the auspicious occasion, Ketaki flowers were being sold for Rs 600 to Rs 1,000 near Shri Loknath Temple in Puri and Rs 600 to Rs 800 around Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. The flower, a variety of ‘Kewra’ with the botanical name Pandanus fascicularis, blooms only during this period, making it a highly sought-after offering for devotees.
"Due to its scarcity and religious significance, the price of Ketaki remains high," said B Simadri, a seller from Tulu. "Last year, I managed to collect around 25 flowers, but this time, I could gather only a dozen."
Farmers in Ganjam district, where Kewra is grown abundantly, play a crucial role in supplying Ketaki to major towns across Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, and Koraput. Bhagaban Behera, a flower trader, mentioned that many sellers had placed pre-orders for the rare flower, anticipating the high demand for Maha Shivratri.
Bala Krushna Pradhan, a devotee from Berhampur’s Shakti Nagar, shared his experience, saying, "I have been offering Ketaki for years. This time, I bought it for Rs 400, whereas last year, it cost me Rs 300."
As Maha Shivratri approaches, the rising demand and limited supply continue to push Ketaki prices higher, underscoring its spiritual significance and rarity in Odisha’s religious traditions.
Ahead of the auspicious occasion, Ketaki flowers were being sold for Rs 600 to Rs 1,000 near Shri Loknath Temple in Puri and Rs 600 to Rs 800 around Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. The flower, a variety of ‘Kewra’ with the botanical name Pandanus fascicularis, blooms only during this period, making it a highly sought-after offering for devotees.
"Due to its scarcity and religious significance, the price of Ketaki remains high," said B Simadri, a seller from Tulu. "Last year, I managed to collect around 25 flowers, but this time, I could gather only a dozen."
Farmers in Ganjam district, where Kewra is grown abundantly, play a crucial role in supplying Ketaki to major towns across Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, and Koraput. Bhagaban Behera, a flower trader, mentioned that many sellers had placed pre-orders for the rare flower, anticipating the high demand for Maha Shivratri.
Mythological and Religious Significance
According to Hindu mythology, Ketaki was once cursed by Lord Shiva and prohibited from being used in religious rituals. However, the deity later permitted its offering on one special occasion—Maha Shivratri. Devotees believe that offering Ketaki to Lord Shiva on this day brings divine blessings and fulfills their wishes.Bala Krushna Pradhan, a devotee from Berhampur’s Shakti Nagar, shared his experience, saying, "I have been offering Ketaki for years. This time, I bought it for Rs 400, whereas last year, it cost me Rs 300."
As Maha Shivratri approaches, the rising demand and limited supply continue to push Ketaki prices higher, underscoring its spiritual significance and rarity in Odisha’s religious traditions.
