With the celebration of Kevda Teej on Tuesday, demand for the fleshy-leaved Kevda flower went up with flower merchants rushing to Navagam here where it abounds in number.
Women, both married and unmarried, offer the tropical Kevda (Agave) to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati asking for prosperity of their husbands and for getting a good husband respectively. They also observe a fast and conduct pujas in temples on the occasion.
Navagam and surrounding areas in Narmada district are the only places in this region where the plants grow on their own and are a good source of income for tribals in the area.
The religious significance of the Kevda on the occasion has caused the demand for the flower to go up.
Raju Vasava, a tribal from Navagam said that he has earned Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 by selling these plants today.
The celebration of Kevda Teej on Tuesday coincides with the beginning of holy month of Ramzan during which members of Muslim community observe fast for a period of 30 days.