Having been holed up in our homes for the past 4-5 months, I have been wanting to take a break and get back to street photography in Jaipur. The markets come alive only after 11 AM leaving very few places for street photography especially after the current pandemic situation. I have been to a couple of morning markets in Jaipur for street photography; I‘m yet to publish those pictures. May be someday, I will. Among the early morning places to visit in Jaipur, check out my blog on the Milk Market in Jaipur. There’s yet another interesting early morning market in Jaipur- Jaipur Flower Market.
Jaipur Flower Market remains a wholesale market that attracts buyers and sellers from all across the city and also from the villages in the vicinity. This is a market where retail flower sellers pick up their stocks. It doesn’t cater to the end-users and therefore, it is a B2B market.
The current set-up is not significantly old rather it has developed & shaped over the last few years. In the past, the flower market in Jaipur was at Badi Chaupar near Hawa Mahal. Here is a picture from the Flower Market at Badi Chaupar in Jaipur.
Owing to a couple of changes especially the Metro project, the market shifted to the Kanwar Nagar not far from Hawa Mahal. The previous site could only accommodate just a few sellers. With the shift in location, the current site offered space to many more sellers. The population of Jaipur has grown tremendously and consequently, the flower business in the city has boomed. The market has engaged many new sellers causing a shortage of space.
Among the flowers sold here, marigold and local rose variants are traded in large numbers. Both these are grown in nearby areas like Jamwa Ramgarh, Chomu, Kanota, Naila, etc.
Imported flower variants like English rose, daisies, carnations, and orchids are also sold in this market. These flowers are cultivated in places like Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh & routed via Delhi.
Even though lotus grows in many parts of Rajasthan, especially near Udaipur, the ones sold here are from Uttar Pradesh.
It is not merely flowers that are being traded here, even leaves find its way in this bazaar as it is used in decoration.
Ashok leaves are used extensively along with marigold flowers. Both are used for all auspicious occasions like inauguration and wedding decorations. Here is a picture of decoration on the occasion of the Holi festival from Govind Dev Ji temple.
Increasingly, the momentum to celebrate the Holi festival with flowers instead of colors & Gulal is gaining momentum. For centuries, the Jaipur court followed this tradition. The Tesu flowers were used during Holi celebrations.
Marigold garlands are the most common flower used for garland, while the local rose is used for offerings to the deities in Hindu temples.
In comparison to the English rose, the Indian rose is most sought after for its fragrant smell. It is additionally used in Gulkand, an essential ingredient of Paan. Indian rose is grown extensively in Pushkar. Over the last few years, there is a decline in rose cultivation in Pushkar because the land has become expensive; the cultivable fields are being replaced by resorts for the tourists.
The market comes alive during the early morning hours with farmers bringing their flower produce with them. Here is a picture that shows one of the many ways for transporting flowers to Jaipur from villages in the vicinity.
One can also witness flower vendors making garland in this market. Garland is one of the most sought after items in the retail flower market here in Jaipur.
I decided to cut short my visit because the market was extremely crowded and people were not adhering to the rule of wearing masks. Only a few people were wearing face masks which explains why coronavirus cases in Jaipur seem to be going up every day. There are a significant number of sellers from the rural areas where people don’t wear masks at all. Do read my street photography post which captures people wearing & not wearing face masks in Jaipur.
My visit was limiting because I clicked from a “safe distance” and forfeited some opportunities. I’m certain there will be many more opportunities in the future.
There is a lot to discover here in this market, people haggling, trying to garner the attention of customers, in short, making a living.
And some flower sellers merely like to chill because they believe in the law of attraction; talk about the real example of someone trusting the message of the book “The Secret” by Ronda Byrne.
Probably, not everyone goes back home happy.
Jaipur Flower Market remains an excellent place to experience the authentic culture of the region and observe the people in action, especially for travelers from overseas. This morning market in Jaipur is different from the markets elsewhere in Europe and North America; one of the best things to do in Jaipur in mornings. Have you ever been to a flower market elsewhere in India or in your city?
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Lively images! Great clicks!
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Thanks, Ishaan. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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You’re welcome 🙂
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😊👍
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Seeing flowers in bags and baskets tells me that the concept of a flower market is different in India. Here in Canada, we buy flowers to put in a vase and therefore they usually come with long stems, whereas in your post the stems are often missing. Thank you, Arv! This is a very interesting post.
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You are right. A lot of these flowers are used in making garlands. Some end up being used as an offering in the temple. Very few people use them for decoration. Also the flowers here are usually stronger in fragrance. So yeah you are right about the observation. Also the way these are sold is definitely different.
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Thank you for the additional explanation, Arv!
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You are welcome 😊
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Fabulous pictures Arv, I feel as if I was there with you. Maggie
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Thanks Maggie. I’m glad you enjoyed this virtual tour 😊
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Such a colorful post, Arv. Immediately I noticed that not many sellers and buyer are wearing a mask. There are some images they look like Lotus flower buds, are they Lotus flowers? I assume that most of the flowers are being bought as donation when entering a temple or for people’s home altar. Thank you for this wonderful post.
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You are right with your observations, Cornelia. It’s unfortunate that people are taking it lightly which explains the rising cases. It’s true even for literate people. Yes those are lotus buds. Most flowers people buy are used as offerings to the deity and God in the temples and home. Otherwise, social ceremonies like wedding are also places where a large amount of flowers are used. But in the current situation it’s not the case. I can recall your post from India with marigold flowers.
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Hi Arv, thank you for your kind reply. I am honored that you remember my post with marigold flowers, thank you. Stay safe and healthy and positive and have a great week.
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Your pictures are awesome and the kind of impact they make, it is hard to forget. I like your style of photography, Cornelia.
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Thank you Arv, I am overwhelmed by your kindness.
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🙂
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You beautifully captured the essence, emotions and expressions of the flower market and the vendors. Wonderful shots! 😊
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I’m glad you liked it. Do you have a similar market in your city?
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Yes, we do have but never got a chance to visit it. It is always so crowded so we usually avoid. 😬😃
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I can understand. Especially in the current scenario it looks difficult.
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I love flowers and your flower market post makes me smile. You have done a good job in show casing it, even though you clicked from a distance and missed some good frames 😀
I have been to the phool mandi out here once to be precise as I avoid too crowded a place. We do a lot of flower shopping for Deepawali but that’s taken care by hubs … I enjoy the decor bit 🌺🌹🌺🌹🌺 Though I have always wanted to photograph the whole ambience. Maybe someday ✨
It’s sad people have become so relaxed and safety has gone down the drain. So much so for sensible community living or self care.
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I’m glad this post made you happy, Monika. This is one of the first instance of stepping out in a market in current situation. I don’t think I’ll be visiting market in the coming times considering how situation is. I’m not surprised why the numbers are swelling in our country. Safety is never taken seriously.
I’m not surprised by your love of flowers. I’m sure you will find a way to capture the beauty of flowers, someday. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Do you fancy any specific flower?
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Very nice. Loved the pics, lots of stories in them
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Hey, thanks, Anil! 🙂
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You definitely capture the heart of your subjects, Arv! Awesome pics and gorgeous flowers!
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Thanks, Lisa. I’m happy your enjoyed this virtual tour. 🙂
Do you have B2B flower markets in your city or it is only in big cities?
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We don’t have flower markets, but we do have farmer’s markets where farmers come to sell vegetables and fruits, and sometimes they sell flowers and plants at those markets. 🙂
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I have seen those kind of markets in Europe. Usually they take place on weekends and for fixed hours
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Yes! Same here in the US. 🙂
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Ok. 🙂
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Never been to any wholesale flower market but I am sure any other wholesale market has the same flow of vibrancy. In Bangalore, during festivals a small corner of the market becomes like wholesale market of flowers. Here people buy flowers each day without fail. Using gajra by women is considered as compulsory as sindoor.
The best part of your whole post is the expressions you captured of that man sitting in gray shirt!!
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You are right. The buzz in markets across the country is same. I have seen many shop selling flowers in Bangalore. You are right about the importance of flower in the lives of women in S. India. The jasmine flower strings are very important and it is hard to spot women not wearing one especially in the hinterlands. I’m glad you liked the picture, Deeksha. 🙂
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That fellow looks like very good with his communication skills and customer would be bound to buy something from him shop🙂
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I agree. He seems to be quite skilled at selling. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Deeksha.
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Another beautifully colourful post, Arv. I agree with a comment above which mentions the cut-off stems. Here in the UK, flowers are mostly bought to be put in vases, so long stems are needed. But I love they way the flowers are made into so many different decorations in India, like the one for the Holi Festival, as well as the many different garlands. It’s a pity about the shortage and expense of land for flower growing. Flowers are such an important part of life, especially in India. I noticed people in your photos with face masks not covering their noses. That’s a must if this virus is ever going to be contained. I’ve seen people wearing them like that here, too. Keep safe and well, Arv.
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It’s a big cultural difference. Putting flowers into vase is not at all common. Although with increasing global influence people have started gifting bouquets in line with the rest of the world. But even then it’s still local customs that rules here. I agree people are not taking this pandemic seriously. Did you check out the other post specifically on mask habits?
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Beautifil pics!
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🙂
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Beautiful pics:)
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Thanks. 🙂
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i love your shots!💖
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I’m glad you liked them, Christine 😊 have you ever been to India?
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haven’t been to India, just some friends 😊
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Ah! ok
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It must have been nice to head out to a fragrant flower market after being at home for so long. I miss the bright pops of colour and fragrance of such markets. Here flowers are seasonal and we get to see the cycle of life with each changing season. Flowers are sold in plant shops or separately. I don’t think there’s a flower market though. Take care and stay safe!
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I wouldn’t say it was something new for me because it seemed like the usual market scene. Crowded place full of people, vendors seeking attention of visitors, cacophony…. you know how it is, Cheryl. I wouldn’t also say it was fragrant. One would certainly expect but it wasn’t. But it is certainly nice to be treated with a plethora of bright colors. On the other hand it’s not really a good thing that people forgot face masks. I suppose the flower use in Korea is similar to the Western world or is it closer to the Asian culture?
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Flower markets are an excellent place to visit. Not only the sight but the fragrance also soothes the soul. I understand how difficult it was for you to capture these beautiful shots as the market was crowded and your pictures prove how people were not adhering to the norms.
I have been to flower markets of Howrah a couple of times and even though I stay away from the crowd I felt a strange affection for the place as the heaps of flowers – marigold, tuberose, rose, gerbera, jasmine and what not. I used to get lost in the fragrance as well as the aura of the dazzling beauties. Thanks for sharing your post and bringing back my lovely memory of my visit to the flower market.
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Like many other markets it is buzzing place. I was surprised to see so much crowd even in the current situation. I wonder how it would have been before March. I agree the sight of fresh flowers is uplifting. I’m happy to hear that this post refreshed your memories. I guess it’s not the best time to visit such crowded markets. How are you coping with the no travel scenario considering you love travel?
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Its really difficult Arv, to stay without travelling. As things are opening up and starting again it is becoming more difficult for me to control my emotions to get on the roads but again the serious thoughts of the pandemic and the callousness of the public around holds me back. So patiently, impatiently waiting for the vaccine to arrive so that I can get back to my travel routine. I guess you too are going through the same phase.
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I guess the governments are trying to make things normal but the reality is that infection cases are higher than they were during lockdown. While the govt does have their own reasons but it is not necessary for us to assume the same. I do feel one can choose some quaint resort away from the hustle bustle to relax. We do need some mental stimuli. Wel, I don’t think my situation will allow me this privilege. But this is definitely a need of the hour.
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I couldn’t agree more to what you said Arv.
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🙂
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Beautiful photography! So charming
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I’m glad you liked it, Rishika
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Wow, these photos are beautiful! Thank you for sharing them.
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I’m glad you liked it. Which part of the world are you from Lydia?
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Hi Arv, such a lovely take and dotted with such deft display of wording makes the post a picture perfect. I can relate with every picture as myself have gone to the flower market in Hyderabad, always brimming with such colorful activities and so many tale to tell. Indeed, there is such poignant and inspiring stories behind the scene.
You have so beautifully captured those nuanced moments of how they bargain to how they stitch those single pieces to craft a beautiful line of garland to how they carry those big bags back in their bike and land in the market, very early morning.
There is so much to see and experience, you are right anybody who wants to understand the culture of a new city, should always visit such marketplace, and flower market is one such place that stays at the top. Just not the flowers but as mentioned by you the leaves as well, that goes to make decoration get the contrast with its splash of green color in full display.
As always such a lovely post with a perfect blend of picture and wording. I can understand the challenge in navigating those crowed places given the current situation, even otherwise it needs dexterity to do so.
Thanks for sharing with us. 😀
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I’m glad this post resonated well with you, Nihar. I’m sure the flower market in Hyderabad must be huge. While in normal times, one enjoys buzzing market scenes, these days we are more cautious and hence such thriving places are usually avoided unless you cannot do without it. I hope you are doing well in current situation, Nihar. How did you cope with lockdown etc?
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O! Yes Arv, this Hyderabad market is big one and opposite is the vegetable market, you can hit two things one go. Must have been tough for you given the current situation, not easy to do with such perfection.
All well here, though things was challenge much like every other place, those initial period of the lockdown. Now when situations were getting back to some order, you must have seen last few days Hyderabad had the heaviest rainfall in a century – some parts are badly hit, the old part of the city.
Hope things in Jaipur are back to normal, and how are things for you?
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Two markets in the vicnity sounds like a good idea. Yes, I have heard about recent heavy downpour in Hyderabad. I guess rainfall during this time of the year is not normal. Well, life here is getting back to normal even though the covid cases seems to be growing. I guess it will take some time before things return back to normal for all us. 🙂
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Yes, it will take so time before things get back to some new normal. Little option left, people are getting back to work, now its matter of livelihood…tough times for all of us.
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True.
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This flower market in Jaipur looks very colourful, just like how colours are a big part of Indian life and festivals. It is good to hear the market has many new sellers but unfortunately there is a shortage of space. Maybe in the future when things are more settled in the world, there will be a better location that can accommodate more stalls to showcase even more flowers.
Lol, that is a clever way to put it ‘Probably, not everyone goes back home happy’ along with the shot of the man who has a neutral expression 🙂
Good that you put your safety first and cut your visit short. It did look like quite a lot of people at the market. Amazing photos as usual.
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certainly, lots of people, Mabel. I did not expect this situation! I’m hoping things will improve over the time. I know Australia doesn’t have something like this but what about Malaysia?
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I’m not too sure what’s going on in Malaysia, but it looks like a spike in cases too. Here in Australia we have brought down the numbers and are opening up, and such a great outcome. It seems so unsettling what’s happening in India, and do hope you stay safe.
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I’m glad the situation in Australia is so promising. Thanks for the good wishes, Mabel. You take care too!
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