Spectacular blooms bring up the charm and colors to the functions & ceremonies. Here are some Flowers Used in Social and Cultural Celebrations in India!
Be it weddings, cultural events, or festivals, flowers play a key role in ceremonial decoration, performing rituals, and even preparing traditional attire. Thanks to their elegant colors and delightful fragrance, the presence of flowers make any occasion more joyful and cheerful! Here are some of the most popular Flowers Used in Social and Cultural Celebrations in India!
Check out our article on flowers that bloom all year round here
Flowers Used in Social and Cultural Celebrations in India
1. Marigold / Genda
Botanical Name: Tagetes
Marigold is the limelight of every auspicious occasion. Its Toran is used for decorative purposes, whereas its garland and petals are offered to deities like Vishnu, Ganesh, and Laxmi during worshipping.
2. Arabian Jasmine / Mogra
Botanical Name: Jasminum
Cascading strings of mogra bring charm to the weddings and are also used for ritual offerings. Moreover, women wear gajra of jasmine on hair bun as traditional attire.
3. Rose / Gulab
Botanical Name: Rosa
Be it the garland for Varmala, Sehra for the groom’s headdress, or floral jewelry for the bride, no Indian ritual is complete without the fragrant roses!
4. Crape Jasmine / Chandani
Botanical Name: Tabernaemontana divaricata
People offer its white petals to Hindu deities during worshipping. It is also famous as hair braid that women wear as their traditional dressing.
5. Chrysanthemums / Guldaudi
Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum morifolium
Chrysanthemums are great cut flowers that make them excellent for decorating wedding bouquets, halls, and mandap.
6. Tuberose / Rajnigandha
Botanical Name: Polianthes tuberosa
Be it garlands, bouquets, buttonholes, boutonnieres, wreaths, or gajras, heavenly-scented tuberose makes a striking statement in all. Besides its cultural uses, it is also famous for making essential oil & perfumes.
7. Orchid
Botanical Name: Orchidaceae
The combining decor of pink, white, and purple orchids adds an instant pop of color in the ceremonies. Also, the altar and mandap of cultural events look wonderful with strands of white orchids.
8. Carnation
Botanical Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
Coming in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes, the ruffled flowers have uses as a backdrop and floral decoration. Carnation is also popular as a funeral flower in India.
9. Hydrangea
Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla
Coming in mesmerizing shades of blue and pink, the hydrangea decor adds timeless charm to the social events. Florists often arrange the blooms along the hedges and border of the event area.
10. Gerbera Daisy
Botanical Name: Gerbera jamesonii
Thanks to its long-lasting freshness, gerbera daisy pairs well with other flowers in bouquets. Moreover, Indian brides tuck this flower in their hair for an elegant touch.
11. Sunflower / Surajmukhi
Botanical Name: Helianthus
Existing from the Vedic times in India, sunflowers enhance the appeal of ceremonial stages. Also, Indian brides wear sunflowers on buns as floral jewelry during Haldi and Mehandi ceremonies.
12. Tulip
Botanical Name: Tulipa
Apart from being an integral part of event decor, there is a unique tulip festival in Srinagar during April. In this fest, a multitude of tulips with variable colors and shapes draw tourist attention.
Flowers Used for Religious Functions
13. Oleander / Kaner
Botanical Name: Nerium oleander
Coming in elegant shades of orange, pink, red, white, and yellow, the oleander flower is popular in worshipping Hindu deities Vishu and Shiva during religious ceremonies.
14. Hibiscus / Gudhal
Botanical Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
108 Gudhal flowers are offered as reverence to the goddess Kali during the Navratra festival.
15. Lotus / Kamal
Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera
An epitome of beauty, the lotus is very pious in Hinduism, as deity Laxmi sits on this flower. Hence, the flower is offered to the goddess for prosperity in one’s life.