It’s the Season for Flowers in India
Across the country, the changing weather heralds the arrival of vivid hues—flaming gulmohars, cheerful marigolds, delicate cherry blossoms, serene lotuses and more…
As we move into the warmth of March, India transforms into a vibrant canvas of colours. The season of flowers is upon us, and nature responds with a spectacular show of blooms. From the neatly manicured gardens of urban landscapes to the wild, untamed beauty of forested hillsides, flowers blossom in abundance, filling the air with fragrance and the heart with joy.
A Blooming Spectacle
In March, India experiences the vibrant blooms of spring, with flowers like marigold, jasmine, and hibiscus being particularly prominent, and some areas like Darjeeling seeing rhododendrons, magnolias, and cherry blossoms.
Whether you are in the bustling streets of Delhi, the tea gardens of Darjeeling, or the coastal stretches of Kerala, flowers weave a common thread of seasonal beauty.
Festivals in Full Bloom
In India, flowers are deeply woven into the cultural fabric, and their peak season coincides with numerous festivals. The festival of Holi, celebrated in March, is not just about colours in the air but also about the blooming of the Tesu (Flame of the Forest) flowers, once used to make natural dyes. Down south, Ugadi and Vishu see homes adorned with strings of jasmine and kanakambaram (firecracker flower), filling the air with their sweet fragrance.
One of the most visually stunning celebrations of floral splendour is the Tulip Festival in Srinagar, held in the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, the largest in Asia. The sight of thousands of tulips in red, yellow, pink, and purple carpeting the landscape against the backdrop of the Zabarwan Range is nothing short of magical.
Flowers in India are more than just decorative—they hold religious, medicinal, and even culinary significance. The sacred lotus, India’s national flower, is revered in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, symbolising purity and enlightenment. Marigolds are a staple in temples and weddings, while roses find their place in everything from worship to perfumes and desserts.
Apart from their spiritual value, flowers like hibiscus and neem blossoms are widely used in Ayurvedic remedies, while banana flowers are a nutritious delicacy in many regional cuisines. The fragrance of raat ki rani (night-blooming jasmine) lingers in many Indian homes, bringing a sense of calm at dusk.
Where to Experience the Floral Beauty
For those who love to witness nature in full bloom, India offers numerous destinations where flowers steal the spotlight, these are just a few below:
- Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this high-altitude valley comes alive with over 300 species of wildflowers.
- Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra – Also known as the ‘Plateau of Flowers’, this UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot bursts into a riot of colours post-monsoon.
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore – Famous for its annual flower shows, this historic garden showcases exotic and indigenous floral species.
- Mughal Gardens, Delhi – Open to the public for a short period in spring, these presidential gardens are a paradise of tulips, roses, and seasonal blooms.
Welcoming the Season of Fragrances
There is something inherently uplifting about flowers. Their presence and aromas transform spaces, uplift moods, and signifies renewal. As India embraces this season of floral splendour, take a moment to pause and appreciate the fleeting beauty around you—whether it’s a single flower blooming by the roadside or a grand garden in full glory.
The season for flowers is a time to revel in nature’s artistry, to celebrate traditions that honour these delicate wonders, and to be reminded that beauty, however brief, leaves a lasting impact.
