Puri, March 30: The ongoing Sahi Yatra festivities in Puri have been hit by a shortage of locally grown jasmine flowers, a key element of the traditional celebration. Devotees and participants, for whom jasmine garlands are an essential part of the festival, have had to rely on flowers sourced from Kolkata this year.

From children to elderly participants and akhada members, wearing jasmine garlands is considered integral to the Sahi Yatra experience. However, the absence of the native variety has left many festival-goers slightly disappointed, with many claiming that the distinct fragrance of desi jasmine is missing.

Flower markets and traditional stalls across the city have reported a visible scarcity of local jasmine. Even Dayanamali servitors, who are associated with ritual offerings, have faced difficulty in procuring the flowers.

Traders said that adverse weather conditions have affected the flowering of jasmine this season. Prolonged cooler temperatures and recent storms damaged plants and led to the loss of buds, resulting in reduced local supply.

To meet the demand during the festival, traders have sourced jasmine from Kolkata. “We are arranging garlands as per demand using flowers brought from outside to maintain the tradition,” said a local flower seller.

Despite the shortage, devotees continue to purchase jasmine garlands, though at slightly higher prices compared to previous years, to keep the festive spirit alive.