15 Flowers Used in Social and Cultural Celebrations in India

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.