Marigold petals… for as long as I remember, they have been used in rites and rituals at home. In almost all celebrations and events, garlands of marigolds or decorations made from its petals are indispensable. Dried brown and black after a few hours, they are then consigned to a rubbish pile or in to a river.

The whole purpose of existence of that flower seems to be to adorn a venue, an altar, an idol or a person for those few minutes with its vibrant color, adding so much life to the occasion. It is as if the flowers are that much more vibrant being aware of the duration and purpose of their existence.

As someone said – wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.

Marigold petals arranged around an altar for Diwali celebrations in Pune (Oct 2017)

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