Lord Krishna is believed to have said: "Bring me flowers or even water, with devotion, and I will be pleased." (See Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter X). Flower garlands are generally offered as a mark of respect and honour. They are offered to welcome visitors, or in veneration of the gods and goddesses. The garlands are generally made with white jasmine and orange marigold flowers. They are weaved in thread tied in the end with the help of a knot. (See Indian Culture: Continuity in Change - Garlanding).

In Hindu thought, the blooming of a flower is often described as the Magic of the Master (God's Maya) and glorified by ancient poets and artists.

Win! Win! Win!

This Mother’s Day (Sunday, 9 May), ‘Indians in Africa’ & FabFlora are giving away a floral arrangement worth R200 to one lucky reader of ‘Indians in Africa’. Simply post a tip on how best to care for fresh flowers as a comment on the blog, and you could be a winner. Competition closes at 12noon on Saturday, 8 May.  The draw will take place at 2pm, and the winner will be notified via email by 4pm the same afternoon (8 May). Flowers will be delivered to the winner’s home on Mother’s Day (9 May).

Competition Rules

•    This competition is only open to Durban residents.
•    Entrants will receive an email shortly after having posted their tip as a comment on the blog, requiring them to reply with their cell phone number (to facilitate the prize delivery process should they be named the winner).

Sources: Kamat’s Potpurri and Embassy of India in Poland