Blooming Festivities: Inside Delhi’s Ghazipur Flower Market During Diwali

Festival of Lights brightens up flower traders’ fortunes

As India celebrates Diwali on Monday, the Festival of Lights that is meant to bring light and prosperity into people’s lives, brightens up the fortunes of flower traders in flower markets around the country, such as the Ghazipur Flower Market in Delhi.

On the day of Diwali, before sunrise, when most of Delhi is still asleep, the Ghazipur Flower Market, located on the eastern fringe of the metropolis, is already alive with colour, fragrance, and noise.

Piles of fresh marigolds and roses have arrived in trucks from across the country, from Karnataka to West Bengal and beyond, filling the narrow by-lanes of the market with the scent of celebration. It is Diwali, and for thousands of flower traders, this is the time when the market truly blossoms.

“Diwali is a very special time for us. The demand rises sharply, especially for marigolds. Every home, temple, and marketplace is decorated with flowers, so the market stays crowded from early morning till late at night. During these festive days, our sales increase many times compared to normal days, it is truly the brightest season for flower traders,” ,” Teg Singh Choudhary, President of the Flower Trade Centre, Ghazipur Flower Market, tells Media India Group.

As the first rays of the sun touch the heaps of yellow and orange blooms, the market turns into a living painting.

“Not just on the Diwali day, but for days before the festival, there is a unique energy in the air right from dawn. People arrive much earlier than usual, trucks keep unloading, hawkers and retailers rush to buy flowers. The fragrance of marigolds mixes with the shouts of bargaining voices. Compared to ordinary days, the excitement and festive mood are on another level,” Choudhary adds.

According to the flower traders, during Diwali, marigolds and roses dominate demand as marigolds are used everywhere, in temples, doorways and lighting decorations and they bring that bright festive feel. Roses are also in high demand for prayers and gifting. Unlike the wedding season, which brings many varieties, Diwali revolves mainly around the marigold, they say.

The flower business has evolved quite dramatically over the years.

“Earlier, people mostly bought loose flowers. Now, ready-made garlands, decorative torans, and designer arrangements are trending. Online bulk orders have also increased, event decorators and florists place direct orders with us. People now care more about colour combinations, freshness and creative presentation,” says Choudhary.

The good fortunes for the flower traders will persist for much longer after Diwali as it also marks the beginning of the wedding season, which is by far the busiest period for the trade.

“During Diwali, only a few flowers like marigold and rose sell in large numbers. But weddings bring demand for everything, from orchids and lilies to carnations and the whole market buzzes with activity. Diwali brings the colours, weddings bring the variety, both seasons keep our trade alive and blooming,” he adds.

For Delhi, Diwali begins not just with earthen lamps or diyas and sweets, but with the sight and scent of marigolds at Ghazipur. Among the flower heaps, laughter, and chaos, the spirit of the festival truly takes root and serves as powerful  reminder that every celebration begins with those who make the city bloom.