Why Genda Flowers Are Used for Most Hindu Rituals and Festivals?
The Marigold, or Genda Phool, is widely used in Hindu rituals for its vibrant colors, spiritual significance, connection to gods, and practical qualities like longevity and affordability.
With Diwali coming soon, many of us start to clean our homes and offices. Once we finish cleaning, it’s time to decorate with new showpieces, bedcovers, crockery, diyas, lights, rangolis, and flowers. One flower we often see everywhere during this time, from decorations to offerings in temples, is the Marigold, also known as Genda Phool in Hindi.
But why is the Genda flower so popular for Hindu rituals and festivals? Let’s explore the reasons:
1. A Beautiful Flower
The Genda flower’s bright orange, yellow, and maroon colors make it stand out, adding life and energy to any space. Its mild aroma is perfect for rituals, as it doesn’t distract from focus or meditation.
2. Connection with ‘Surya Dev’ (Sun God)
In Hinduism, Genda flowers are linked to Surya Dev, the Sun God, because their colors look similar to the sky at sunrise and sunset, as well as to fire. Due to this connection, they are seen as auspicious, or lucky, and are often used in holy offerings.
3. Gods’ Favorite Flower
According to tradition, the Genda flower is a favorite of many gods and goddesses, including Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Vishnu. Offering these flowers is believed to bring peace, wealth, and protection to a home.
4. More Than One Flower in a Flower
Scientifically, a single Genda flower is actually a small collection of many little flowers. Each petal looks like a flower itself, so when you offer one Genda, it’s like offering a whole bunch of flowers, adding extra beauty and meaning to offerings.
5. Practical and Easy to Use
Genda flowers are cheaper and easier to grow than many other flowers. They last longer, and once plucked, they need less water to stay fresh, making them ideal for use in large quantities.
6. Symbol of Positivity and Protection
Genda flowers are believed to keep away negativity and bad energies. This is why they’re often woven into Torans and Bandhanwars, which are hung outside homes for protection. In Western cultures, Genda flowers are also symbols of positivity, energy, and completeness—qualities important for a happy life.
A Flower with Deep Meaning:
It’s fascinating to see that a flower like the Genda has both spiritual and practical reasons for its popularity. So, next time you decorate with these bright blooms, you’ll know why they’re so special in Hindu festivals and rituals.
Share this knowledge with your friends and family, so they too can understand the deeper meaning behind using Genda flowers during Diwali and other celebrations.
