Exploration of Mullick Ghat Blossom Bazaar
In the heart of West Bengal, beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge, lies one of Asia's largest flower markets - the Mullick Ghat flower market. This bustling hub, over a hundred years old, caters to the region's cultural and matrimonial needs, especially during Bengali marriage seasons [2][3][5].
Most of the flowers in the market are locally grown in West Bengal, with Kolaghat, Dhantola, and Batkul being major suppliers. The market is a medley of colors, offering a vast variety that caters to the high demand during wedding seasons and festivals in Kolkata and West Bengal [1].
The key flowers seen prominently during Bengali marriage seasons are marigolds, jasmines, roses, lilies, orchids, and carnations. Marigolds, with their traditional and auspicious connotations, are popular for religious and traditional wedding decorations due to their bright colors and fragrance. Jasmines, known for their fragrant nature, are also in high demand [2].
Roses and lilies are frequently chosen for bridal bouquets and ornamental arrangements because of their elegance and symbolism of love and purity [2]. Orchids and carnations add variety and beauty to the mix [2].
Crowns for the bride and small bracelets for the groom are high in demand during weddings. Artificial flowers are popular with decorators due to their reusability [4].
Nimai Mondal, a second-generation flower producer and seller, is one of the market's key figures. His stall, like many others, supplies flowers to the entire city and nearby areas, including adjoining states [3]. The market's turnover on normal days is around one crore, but it can reach almost two crore on marriage days [4].
The market is a common meeting point for buyers, sellers, carriers, tea vendors, plastic bag suppliers, snack shop owners, and many others who rely on the market for their livelihood. Today, being a Bengali marriage date and a Sunday, the market is experiencing a rush and buzz [6].
Generations may change, but the flowers and the market remain in a perpetual state of significance for various rituals. The wedding season has brought a positive and colorful atmosphere back to the market, which was affected by demonetization [7].
The Bihari and Marwari weddings see more demand for flowers, with sales potentially reaching three to four crore on good business days [8]. The common scientific name for the roses might be Mexican Tube rose, but in Bengali weddings, Rajnigandha rules the market [9].
Nimai Mondal, like many others, has promised his daughter Fulia a new crayon set at the end of the month [10]. Despite the hustle and bustle, the market continues to be a testament to tradition and culture, a vibrant and enduring symbol of the region's rich heritage.
The diverse assortment at Mullick Ghat flower market extends beyond just flowers, also offering home-and-garden items to cater to various cultural needs during weddings and festivals. Amidst the bustle, Nimai Mondal, a key figure in the market, runs a stall that not only supplies flowers but also extends to food-and-drink, such as snacks, and shopping essentials like stationery for his daughter Fulia.
