Fourth Stop – India Feb 9-20 Flowers in Bangalure

I arrived in Bangalure, India on Thursday, February 9. It is in southern India, is a very large city that has been around since the 1500s, and is now known for having a strong tech industry. I am staying with my friends Saskya van Nouhuys and Andy Ruina, who moved here during Covid from Ithaca. They are professors at India Institute of Science.

Today’s entry is about flowers. There are so many flowers available at the street markets; some in bouquets, some strung together in garlands and some in piles with very short stems and not in water.

I learned three things about the flowers from a 30-something yo woman who was born and raised in Bangalore:

1. Those who sell flowers in the markets go to an auction at 4:00 am to buy from the wholesaler and the products are sold out by 5:00 am.

2. Flowers are used for many things, including: worshipping Hindu gods in temples and shrines, weddings, funerals, places where the dead rest, decorations for celebrations like a new home or business. The markets are often very close to the temples.

3. Bengalure exports more roses than anywhere else. I believe she said in the world.