From Mullick Ghat to Ghazipur: The iconic flower markets of India

Here are some of the most exciting, chaotic, colourful, stunningly picturesque, and vivacious phool mandis (flower markets) of India that come alive during the early hours of the day.

Ghazipur Flower Market, Delhi

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Wᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇ Dᴇʟʜɪ-दिलवालों का शहर (@welcomedelhi) 

One of India’s biggest flower markets, Ghazipur is one of the few that sells exotic, international varieties at unbelievably cheap rates. Among the approximate 50,000 kg of flowers sold here every day are protea, banksia, and ilex and other varieties from countries like New Zealand, Thailand, Netherlands, and South Africa.

Devaraja Market, Mysuru

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MYSurusnapsℹ (@mysurusnaps) 

Synonymous with the local variety of the jasmine that rules the cultural landscape of South India, the ‘Mysore Mallige’ holds a special place in the Devaraja market. The market is a microcosm of the traditions in this heritage city wherein mounds of unstrung jasmine (both the local and the common variety) fill the air with its sweet aroma along with aster and chrysanthemum.

Mullick Ghat Flower Market, Kolkata

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kanad_clicks (@kanadnandi) 

It is the oldest flower market in Asia — 130 years old — and unfolds every day starting 3 am along the Hooghly river, towards the southern end of the city’s defining Howrah Bridge. Thousands of wholesalers arrive here with flowers cut freshly from the farmlands, with a variety that includes roses, marigolds, jasmine, lilies, hibiscus, orchids, sunflowers ad the native version of jasmine, togor phool. The market, once open, is a site of chaos, hustle and bustle as thousands of vendors and sellers compete in this homogenous market. It’s every photographer’s delight. 

Floating Market, Dal Lake, Srinagar

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by EXPEDITIONS by Chintu Pathak (@shutterisland.india) 

The Dal Lake in Srinagar is a city on water, with a life and economy of its own. Besides the morning vegetable market which sees vegetable sellers selling fresh produce on their boats, the lake also hosts flower sellers along the ghats of the Mughal Gardens. Their fresh produce reflects the native floral abundance of lilies, roses and daisies. During summer, the lake itself comes alive as it surface turns a delightful pink and green with lotus blooms.

Dadar Flower Market, Mumbai

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nishchay Bharati Jain (@meinbhiphotographer) 

Situated right outside the station under the Dadar flyover, the Dadar phool gali comes alive with the heady smell of marigold, roses, orchids, lotus, crimsons, chrysanthemum, gerberas, hydrangeas, rajnigandhas, daisies, lilies, peonies. Over 600 stalls, kiosks and even just wooden planks start their business as early as 4 am in Mumbai’s largest flower market, promising as much vigour as chaos.

K.R. and Russell Market, Bangaluru

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Amit Shroff (@na_alemari) 

Owing to the scale and the varying needs of the metropolitan population of the city, Bengaluru has two flower markets. The Russell market in Shivajinagar is one of few example of the British colonial era in the city as it is situated within a building built way back in 1927 in the British architectural style. While Russell market has contemporary offerings like long stemmed roses, gladioli, exotic lilies, and carnations, K.R. market, located on Avenue Road, caters to the buyers who prefer traditional flowers like jasmine, rose, marigold, among others.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!