Floral Tributes

The main rites of Hindu worship called Puja, means the flower act. Hindus offer flowers to the deities as a sign of respect and ask to be blessed with good fortune. White jasmine  is used to decorate doorways and statues. Marigold garlands are placed around the necks of Hindu gods and goddesses but also used in the house as the almost bitter smell deters insects. Rose petals are used both in worship and for medical ailments. I could list so, so  many more flowers used importantly in  day to day Hinduism . In weddings flowers represent love, affection, modesty, sensuality and fertility and they surround the bride and groom. Flowers are widely used too in perfume making and for incense sticks. Burning of fragrant  floral incense is also part of Hindu worshipping practises as it is seen to purify the air and to clear the brain to facilitate  meditation. I was overcome by the beautiful flowers in the Indian markets, by the endless mountains of buds, garlands and blooms and by the lovely open smiling people selling them.