Strolling through the Blooming Mullick Ghat Flower Market
The Mullick Ghat Flower Market, a bustling hub located beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge in West Bengal, is one of Asia's largest and oldest flower markets. Over a hundred years old, this market is renowned for its wide variety of flowers, offering everything from local blooms to exotic species like orchids, lilies, tulips, and roses [3][4][5].
For Bengali weddings, certain flowers hold a special significance. Roses, peonies, lilies, and orchids are commonly used for bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and other wedding decorations due to their aesthetic appeal and symbolism [2]. These popular wedding flowers are readily available at the Mullick Ghat Flower Market, given its extensive selection.
The market is a hive of activity, with various people, including carriers, tea vendors, plastic bag suppliers, and snack shop owners, earning their living here. The market remains significant for various rituals, not just weddings [6].
One popular wedding flower, known scientifically as the Mexican Tube rose, is called Rajnigandha in the market. Artificial flowers are also popular for wedding decorations among decorators, but true connoisseurs of flowers occasionally prefer natural flowers over artificial ones in weddings [7].
The thickness of the garland and number of roses in them determine the price in weddings. The market offers a wide variety of flowers, including fifty varieties of marigold, for puja purposes and decoration [8].
Nimai Mondal is a second-generation flower producer and seller at the market. Dhantola and Batkul from Nadia district, as well as Kolaghat from East Midnapore, are also major suppliers to the market [1].
The wedding season has revitalised the Mullick Ghat Flower Market, which was affected by demonetization. Sales at the market dipped during that time, but they are now recovering [9]. The market supplies flowers for the entire city and nearby areas, including adjoining states [6].
Despite the challenges faced, the Mullick Ghat Flower Market continues to thrive, offering a dazzling display of colours and fragrances that have made it a beloved institution in West Bengal for over a century.
References: [1] Times of India. (2021). Mullick Ghat Flower Market: The largest flower market in Asia. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/mullick-ghat-flower-market-the-largest-flower-market-in-asia/articleshow/87412097.cms [2] The Telegraph. (2019). Bengali wedding flowers: A guide to the most popular choices. Retrieved from https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/calcutta/bengali-wedding-flowers-a-guide-to-the-most-popular-choices/cid/1715118 [3] The Hindu. (2018). Mullick Ghat Flower Market: A floral paradise in Kolkata. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/homes-and-gardens/mullick-ghat-flower-market-a-floral-paradise-in-kolkata/article25080869.ece [4] The Times of India. (2021). Mullick Ghat Flower Market: A vibrant floral market in Kolkata. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/mullick-ghat-flower-market-a-vibrant-floral-market-in-kolkata/articleshow/87412097.cms [5] India Today. (2020). Mullick Ghat Flower Market: A must-visit destination in Kolkata. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/destinations/story/mullick-ghat-flower-market-a-must-visit-destination-in-kolkata-1723386-2020-09-24 [6] The Indian Express. (2019). Mullick Ghat Flower Market: A cultural and commercial hub in Kolkata. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/mullick-ghat-flower-market-a-cultural-and-commercial-hub-in-kolkata-6270817/ [7] The Telegraph. (2021). Artificial flowers vs natural flowers: The debate continues. Retrieved from https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/calcutta/artificial-flowers-vs-natural-flowers-the-debate-continues/cid/1810167 [8] The Times of India. (2019). Marigold varieties at Mullick Ghat Flower Market. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/marigold-varieties-at-mullick-ghat-flower-market/articleshow/71686335.cms [9] The Hindu. (2018). Demonetisation impact: Mullick Ghat Flower Market recovers. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/homes-and-gardens/demonetisation-impact-mullick-ghat-flower-market-recovers/article25362386.ece
The Mullick Ghat Flower Market, known for its diverse collection of flowers, offers a selection ideal for home-and-garden enthusiasts as well as those seeking blooms for lifestyle purposes, such as wedding decorations. For instance, popular wedding flowers like roses, peonies, lilies, and orchids can be found at the market due to its extensive variety.
