Travel · West Bengal

Malik Ghat Flower market in Kolkata: a truly arresting and striking experience

As mentioned in my previous posts here and here, exploring the local markets, especially flower markets is a “must do” in my travel itinerary. Ubiquitous yet unique, these markets truly reflect the native culture and spirit of a place.

Diversity in India is truly endless; whether in terms of climatic conditions, types of terrains, languages, religion, flora, fauna and even trade. All this lends an eclectic mix and variety in our aromatic flower markets. They are an authentic picture of the native customs, beliefs, and traditions. Coupled with the fact that flowers are a big market in India and are used extensively for all occasions, these markets are a picture of hustle bustle, energy and hectic activity.

DSC01840

While I have visited multiple flower markets, few experiences can be as fascinating as that of the Malik Ghat market in the metro city of Kolkata. Located at the southeast end of the Howrah Bridge, even a short visit to this market can be an fascinating experience. Touted as one of the largest markets in Asia, there are as many as 2000 vendors indulging in the super quick trade and brisk business.  Built in the year 1855, it is not only one of the largest flower markets of India but also Asia!

DSC01866

The place is a sea of colour with people wading through innumerable strings of fiery red-orange marigold on their backs.   The place is the epitome of hustle bustle, continuous activity and color.

DSC01852

DSC01820

DSC01808

Starting as early as four in the morning, the market is teeming with vendors and buyers selling flowers in myriad hues, shapes and sizes.  Most vendors also live in makeshift shelters inside the market and are usually busy in making flower arrangements and bouquets that are in great demand during festivals and religious occasions. The almost 24-hour market reaches its peak of activity during festive seasons and special occasions.

IMG_4725

DSC01854

Since the market also supplies flowers to the neighboring states, packaging flowers in bales and transporting the same is another significant activity here.

DSC01862

DSC01867

While the sunflowers, lilies and roses form a colorful spectacle, do not miss out on some of the local specialties like the togor phool.

DSC01842

The native togor phool which resembles the round jasmine has a pleasant yet intoxicating fragrance, and is found mainly in this region.

DSC01864

Blooming during the months of March and April, this flower signifies the onset of the Bengali and Assamese new year.

DSC01841

This article was originally published in Happy Trips.  To read the full article, click here and here.

To read more about the city of Kolkata, read my post here.

40 thoughts on “Malik Ghat Flower market in Kolkata: a truly arresting and striking experience

  1. Nice read and pictures
    Not understanding the importance of diversity is the reason we see monoculture – not good since it is not ‘natural’
    Good to see you highlighting the diversity in flower culture

  2. I love when your stories pertain to flower themes:) Haha:)
    Diversity in India manifests in the smallest of things right :)…While we see Shaamantige & Mallige in the South, this beautiful market is showered with Marigolds & Sunflowers! Thank you for sharing Rashmi 🙂

  3. Wow, what an amazing looking place. Truly a beautiful country. I imagine the atmosphere and smells in the flower market are great. Blessings to you Rashmi.

  4. I love flowers and I love colors!
    You can imagine how this post has made me happy. 🙂

    I also went to this flower market in Kolkata but I could see only Marigolds there. Probably it was too late.

  5. Quite a riot of colour! Always wanted to visit Kolkatta. I’m not sure if it was because of my friends or the food. 🙂 Thanks for taking me there!

  6. Quite a riot of colour! Always wanted to visit Kolkata. Not sure if it was because of my friends or the food! 🙂 Thanks for taking me there.

  7. Local markets is one of the most authentic as well as learning experiences in India for me)) I’ve visited many of them in different states, though haven’t reached to Kolkata. Thank you for sharing, Rashmi!

  8. Totally agree with you Rashmi! Markets are definitely a must do as they bring out the true culture of a place and it is great to be there and witness the local slice of a destination! 🙂

    The pictures are fabulous! Thanks for sharing 🙂 This market is on my bucket list now!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.