The festivals in India are vibrant and colorful beyond compare, with festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali being much-awaited annuals. These festivals are generally aligned with the seasonal changes and climatic conditions of the country.
Ganesh festival is the time when lots of monsoon flowering plants are at the best of their blooms. So, here are 10 favorite flowers of lord Ganesha that you can offer to him every day of this 10-day festival.
• 10 Flowers for Ganesha Worship This Chaturthi
1. Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis (The shoe flower)
Hibiscus are often common flowers used in pooja and rituals during this festival. This plant is a perennial shrub that blooms throughout the year and is one of the most commonly grown plants in the Indian gardens.
The single, red flowered Hibiscus variety is usually offered to Lord Ganesha. In fact, Hibiscus is said to be Lord Ganesha's favorite flower. Naturally, this flower is recommended to be used for all ten days of the festival.
2. Impatiens balsamina (Balsam)
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The plant is an annual herb. Balsams are known to grow very well during the monsoon season. In India, wild balsam with pink flowers grows naturally along the roadside and agricultural fields.
Coincidentally, these wildflowers are available exactly around Ganesh festival, making them the perfect Ganpati flowers for poojas.
3. Curcuma pseudomontana (Hill turmeric)
This is a wild Indian plant that flowers during the monsoons. The plant is a tuberous, erect herb that is also used in and as various medicines. The flowering inflorescence has a unique appearance.
The large, conspicuous flowers are collected from forest edges by villagers during Ganesh festival and commonly used as a Ganesha flower offering for the God of Wisdom, Success, and Good Luck.
4. Gloriosa superba (Glory lily)
Another wild Indian plant that grows naturally in monsoon and flowers profusely during Ganesh festival is the Glory Lily. It is an unusual and splendid flower, which is a sight to behold, often being used as a Ganpati flower for this festival and in general.
As the blossom matures, the petals elongate and wrinkle, gradually arching backwards while sequencing through a spectrum of colors from green to yellow to scarlet.
Note: In Maharashtra, both Hill turmeric and glory lily are offered during Gauri puja.
5. Michelia champaca (Golden Champa)
These medium-sized trees boast flowers used in pooja and rituals commonly, with long leaves showcasing wavy margins that resemble Mango leaves. The flowers are golden, highly scented and silky.
Generally, these plants are planted along avenues and in parks and compounds. The tree blooms during monsoon season and flowers are easily available in every Indian flower market, perfectly in time for Ganesh Chaturthi!
6. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Parijat)
This is one of the most significant plants in the Indian history and mythology, with quite a few references in the Mahabharata. The plant is a tall shrub or a small tree.
Its Jasmine-like Ganpati flowers are incredibly fragrant with white petals and an orange base. Flowers bloom in early morning and fall on the ground in clusters creating a spectacular carpet.
7. Punica granatum (Pomegranate flower)
This garden plant is called as ornamental pomegranate and is grown mainly for its flowers rather than fruits.
It is fairly tall and bushy featuring double red flowers borne on erect branches. These flowers are available in rainy season, and are offered as flowers for Ganesha as an alternative to Hibiscus.
8. Mimusops elengi (Maulsari/bakul)
It is an evergreen, medium sized spherical tree. The tree is most irresistible for its fragrant, tiny, cream colored, delicate flowers that make beautiful hair-bands and garlands. Countless flowers drop under the tree. It blooms profusely during Ganesh festival.
9. Pandanus odoratissimus (Ketaki)
This plant grows wild in patches at the edges of farmlands, shrubs and beaches. Leaves are large, strap like leathery, long, spirally arranged, spiny at the margin. The plant becomes a tree about 18 m tall with age and bears highly scented flowers much cherished and valued by Hindu women. During Ganesh festival, these flowers are available in Indian flower markets.
10. Chrysanthemum sp.
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So many different varieties of annual and perennial Chrysanthemum are available in Indian flower markets. The monsoon flowering varieties are used during the Ganesh festival. There is hardly any other garden flower that has such diverse and beautiful range of colors, shapes, and height.
Chrysanthemum is also a commonly used Ganesha flower offering, known for its wonderful presence and alluring charm, allowing it to fit in perfectly the vibe of the festivities.
With this, you now have 10 different options for each day of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival! So, which one will you be offering and when?
Ganpati Bappa Morya!
