Mysore/Mysuru: Mahatma Gandhi, who stands tall at Gandhi Square in city, gets to see himself being adorned with garlands probably only once in a year — on Gandhi Jayanti Day. Now the scene is different, thanks to closure of Devaraja Market, the flower vendors have surrounded the Bapu’s Statue at Gandhi Square.

The Statue Square, which otherwise is a venue of protests and witnesses slogan-shouting by the protesters, now reverberates with names of flowers being called out by the vendors to woo the public passing by. From Roses to Jasmine, from Chrysanthemum (Sevantige) to various other hues of flowers add charm to this venue.

The COVID-induced lockdown has changed the lives of many and it’s no different for flower vendors. Wholesale flower vendors, who used to sell flowers at Devaraja Market, were forced to leave the Marketplace after it was shut by the MCC to avoid crowding.

Following this the vendors shifted their business to Sayyaji Rao Road. However, they had to pack their loads as the Police evicted them from the roadsides too.

Now, to find a solution for their flower business and also making sure that the COVID norms are in place, these flower vendors have moved their business to Gandhi Square surroundings. 

The place, which seems to be ideal as of now sans much vehicular movement as the lockdown is still in place, is proving to be a boon for the flower vendors.