In Thailand, it is customary to offer marigold garlands (phuang malai) to Buddhist shrines, statues, and revered monks. Similarly, in India, marigold garlands are widely used in Hindu rituals, adorning temples and deities as offerings of devotion.
Unlike in Japan, where colorful floral offerings are not a common sight in Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, religious spaces in India and Thailand are often filled with vibrant hues. The bright orange and yellow of marigold garlands draped over altars, statues, and temple entrances are an integral part of spiritual life. What might seem striking or even unusual to an outsider is, in fact, a deeply rooted tradition in these cultures.
While wandering through a busy street in Mumbai, I came across a flower vendor selling garlands, likely intended for temple offerings. The vivid marigold blooms hung in bunches, standing out against the city's backdrop of honking traffic and hurried crowds. Even amid Mumbai’s constant motion, their radiant color commanded attention—a quiet yet powerful symbol of faith woven into the daily rhythm of life.
Feb 2025 IN THE CITY INDIA | |
FLOWER MUMBAI WREATH |
No
12813
Shooting Date
May 2024
Posted On
February 23, 2025
Place
Mumbai, India
Genre
Street Photography
Camera
SONY ALPHA 7R V
Lens
ZEISS BATIS 2/40 CF