Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge

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Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 1/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

Colors and fragrance overwhelms my senses.

"Didimoni, kon kagoje jaabe photo ta?" (Didi, which newspaper will this photo get published) asks one of the flower merchants as I was busy taking my shots.

The moment I step into the colorful yet chaotic Mallick ghat flower market, allegedly Asia's biggest flower market, I am welcomed with smiles rather, contrary to my notion of having to face arrogant sellers.

There I walk through the busiest flower markets of India, trying to take in everything it offers.

More than a century old, at Mallick ghat flower market, the business thrives from tiny makeshift shacks lined in the shadow of Howrah bridge towards its east end. The market comes to life as early as 3:00 AM, when truck load of flowers make way into the alleys.

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 2/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

The bright yellow and orange marigolds threaded into garlands

Look everywhere. The bright garlands, some hanging, some spread across the stalls will certainly manage to nudge your curiosity hormones and make you ask numerous questions to the sellers. You would be lucky enough to be answered promptly.

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 3/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

The color riot

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 4/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

Did you ever see pearls whiter and more beautiful than these?

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 5/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

And how can you be ignorant to them?

You would certainly stand in awe until you are pushed by the busy carriers and porters.

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 6/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

I was bowled by the fragrance. These cute little tuberose buds did manage to keep my camera engaged for a prolonged time.

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 7/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

And then came the cockscomb

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 8/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

The lotus is my thing

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 9/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

The reds are ever alluring

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 10/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

There are blues you would love

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 11/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

How can roses be left out of the league

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 12/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

Did reds and greens ever look more pleasing?

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 13/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

The business is always as usual for them, regardless of onlookers or visitors.

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 14/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

Better keep to the sideways if you do not wish to be pushed by the porters making way across perilously.

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 15/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

The flowers are exported to all over India and Europe. People in the market practically work 24*7.

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 16/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

A flower carrier

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 17/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

Being sorted out

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 18/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

The lotus buds being watered

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 19/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

The bright marigold garlands stacked along

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 20/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

Its all about business.

By the time I am done with my rounds to the entire market area, I am totally exhausted and in need of strong tea. I ask a seller and he directs me to a small tea stall right under the Howrah bridge. I settle for kulhad chai. Just when I am ready to leave, Maa calls. "What's for lunch?" I ask.

Photo of Mallik Ghat Flower Market- A Riot Of Colors Under Howrah Bridge 21/21 by Dipanwita Chakraborty

My chai- I prefer my chai in kulhad

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