Why some flowers are so pleasing for Hindu gods and goddesses

In preparation for the many Hindu fall festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra or Durga Puja, worshipers all over the world will purchase flowers for use in ritual worship in temples, outdoor ceremonies or altars at home. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save In preparation for the many Hindu fall festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra or Durga Puja, worshippers all over the world will purchase flowers for use in ritual worship in temples, outdoor ceremonies or altars at home. Throughout India, markets are always bustling with flower vendors, selling freshly cut marigolds, roses and lotus flowers.

Devotees offer flowers and flower garlands to Hindu deities such as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; Ganesha, the remover of obstacles; or the warrior goddess Durga. India’s wealthiest temple, Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala, in southern India, used 3 tons of flowers during a floral bath and procession ceremony in 2024. The demand for flowers in worship is so high that two sisters from Bengaluru, Yeshodha and Rhea Karuturi, started a subscription-based service in 2019 to provide fresh flowers for puja or ritual worship throughout India.



Hindu texts describe worship with flowers as one of 16 “upacaras” or “services” to the divine. In temple rituals, “pujaris,” priests responsible for conveying the offerings to the deity, place flowers at the feet or drape them in garlands around the neck of the icon of the deity enshrined in the temple. Flowers are .