Flowers play an important role in India’s diversified culture, which includes a rich tradition of unique festivals. Here are a few Indian celebrations when flowers play an important role in rituals and traditions.
It is no exaggeration to say that India is a land of festivals, and our country celebrates a diverse range of festivals due to its diversity in terms of faith, culture, and rituals. Each festival has its own customs, and festivals can be national or state-specific, depending on where they are held.
Flowers are an important part of every celebration, regardless of where it is held. They bring vibrancy to the celebrations by adding colour, vitality, and vibrancy. Flowers are an essential part of any celebration, and they are one of the most significant aspects of festival planning. As key festivals approach, local flower markets are bustling with activity. Flower prices generally jump a few days before the festival, resulting in frantic negotiating and purchasing. Flowers are used not only for worship and ceremonies, but also for decoration.
Ganesh Chaturthi: perhaps one of India’s most auspicious festivals, this one honours Lord Ganapati, the Lord of Beginnings. Flowers are an important part of the celebration, and some of the Lord’s favourite flowers include the red hibiscus, marigold, and crown flower (Calotropis gigantea). The Mangalore jasmine, a slender, sweet-smelling native species, as well as the inflorescence of the areca nut palm, are considered particularly auspicious in coastal Karnataka. These flowers are brought in expressly for the event and offered to the God. Twenty-one is a sacred number, and the puja ritual includes 21 different types of flowers and leaves.
Dasara, also known as Dussehra or Navratri, is a ten-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga that is celebrated across the country with pomp and gaiety. Marigolds, asters, and dahlias are used to decorate the houses, and the Goddess is dressed in the finest flowers, including roses and jasmine. In West Bengal, pandals that house Maa Durga’s idol are decorated with unconventional themes and exotic flowers such as orchids, anthuriums, and stargazer lilies. Flowers are the spirit of the design, and the pandals are a picture of radiant beauty. Tools, automobiles, stores, and business premises are all decorated with flowers of all kinds and worshipped as part of this event. Flowers such as jasmine, asters, sunflowers, and marigolds are frequently utilised.
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a holiday that is celebrated by millions of people all over India and the world. It is perhaps our country’s most popular celebration. Deepawali is a Hindu holiday that commemorates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It is a celebration of optimism, development, and prosperity, as well as an ode to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. The celebrations begin with a thorough cleaning of the residences, which are then decorated with a variety of flowers. Because red is the colour associated with Goddess Lakshmi, red roses, chrysanthemums, and gerberas reign supreme. These flowers exude vitality, positivity, and a sense of well-being. Rangoli is used to decorate the front doors, which is decked with flowers and diyas. To create a lovely effect, flowers and flower petals are floated in giant “urlis” filled with water with candles set in between.
Onam is a 10-day harvest celebration in Kerala that commemorates King Mahabali’s return home. The Pookalam, which is derived from the terms “Poov” meaning flower and “Kalam” meaning kolam or rangoli, is one of the festival’s highlights. Athapookalam or Onapookalam is the name given to an auspicious arrangement of flower petals in the shape of a rangoli. The pattern is usually made up of ten round rings, each representing a different deity. Thumba or Ceylon Slitwort, Chethi or Flame Of The Woods, hibiscus, Sankhupushpam or Butterfly Pea, lantana, and marigold are among the flowers used in the production of Pookalam. Chethi, also known as Flame of the Woods, is the national Onam flower. It’s worth noting that a single flower is utilised on the first day, two colours on the second day, three colours on the third day, and so on, until the Pookalam.
Christmas is closely associated with flowers, such as roses and poinsettias, as it commemorates the birth of Lord Jesus. Red roses, gladioli, and gerberas are used to decorate homes and front doors because red is the festival’s colour. Other flowers utilised in Christmas celebrations include holly, ivy, and mistletoe.
Keywords: Ask4Brand, Flowers, Festivals in India, Ask4brand festival gifts, festival gifts
