Mullick Ghat, le plus grand marché aux fleurs de l’Inde, 2019
The Calcutta Flower Market, also known as Mullick Ghat, is the largest in India and one of the largest in the world. It spreads along the banks of the Hooghly, the western branch of the Ganges, just below the impressive Howrah Bridge.
Stuck between the banks of the river and a railway line, vendors set up shop in stalls or in the open air, set up on large fabrics on the ground, on the side or in the middle of the crowd. Some wear garlands of flowers around their necks and on their shoulders, wandering among passers-by to sell their wares.
The land of Bengal, which is very suitable for cultivation, has some of the largest plantations in the country. This makes it possible to supply the whole city of Calcutta, and increasingly the whole region. More than 2000 sellers take turns from dawn to dusk, in this wholesale market which seems never to close (it is open between 3am and 8pm).
The multiple fragrances and bright colours testify to the many varieties of fresh flowers that are offered every day. Jasmines, tuberoses, gladioli, queen daisies, amaranths, chrysanthemums, Indian roses are sold by the kilo. Petals and buds are gathered in baskets, and bouquets are placed on the stalls to be placed in vases or floral compositions intended for tourists. Cut flowers are also traditionally threaded on garlands or necklaces. These flowers are used in particular for the puja, the ceremony of offering and adoration to Hindu deities, both in temples and in houses where altars are installed. The flower offered is chosen according to the deity honoured during the ritual. They are also used as ornaments during religious feasts, festivals and weddings.
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