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When in Kolkata, a trip to the colourful yet chaotic Mullik Ghat/Jagannath Ghat flower market is a must. Whether for weddings, festivals or temple rituals, you can find every kind of flower here. Located under the magnificent Howrah Bridge, at its south-eastern end and adjacent to the Hooghly River, it is the largest flower market in Asia.
Nearly 4,000 sellers arrive at this 131-year-old market at 3 every morning, armed with everything from roses of different hues to sunflowers, marigolds, hibiscus, orchids, lilies and more. Marigold, in every form, from loose petals to large garlands, and used extensively in religious festivities, is one of the biggest draws here. West Bengal’s state flower, the Night Flower Jasmine ( harshringar ), is popular for its supposed health benefits.
The flowers are sourced from various places in and around Kolkata, such as Howrah, Santiniketan , 24 South Parganas, South and East Midnapore, Nadia, Darjeeling and Bardhaman. Some varieties such as jasmine arrive from Bengaluru and a few including Oriental and Asiatic lilies, carnations and chrysanthemums are imported from countries such as Thailand.
The flowers in their thousands make for a pretty sight, drawing droves of tourists and photographers alike, who can click amazing frames from atop the adjacent Howrah Bridge.
Rajeev Tyagi is a Delhi-based photojournalist
Passion in full bloom: Roses of various hues sell the most after marigolds at the heritage Mullik Ghat Flower Market
An occasion, or not: Flowers come from places as far away as Bengaluru, to cater to occasions ranging from religious ceremonies to weddings
Daily wage: Many workers from the flower market live in makeshift shacks by the banks of the Hooghly River
Like a phoenix: The 131-year-old market survived a major fire in 2008
Demand and supply: The market supplies to the entire city as well as wholesale traders
Passion in full bloom: Roses of various hues sell the most after marigolds at the heritage Mullik Ghat Flower Market
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