Streets are full of marigold garlands on sale at the Divali eve
Flowers in Hinduism are symbol of creation and regeneration. Perhaps that is why they are the most common decoration material in India and Nepal. And the most popular form of the floral decorations is the garland, or flower necklace, called mala in Nepal and the northern India, and malai in the southern India. During the festival season houses are decorated with flower garlands, they are offered to a temple deity, they are presented to honorary guests as a sign of respect. During the wedding ceremony both bride and groom wear them as good-luck symbols. After a theatrical performance, appreciation to an actor, dancer or musician is expressed by the bestowal of a flower garland.
Bride and groom exchanging malas
Deity with a garland
That's the way guests are greeted in Nepal, photo by Sara Parker
Mala can be made of a single kind of flower or a combination of several, alternating in type, colour and size. Not all flowers are suited to garland making, and some are longer lasting than others. The most favored garland flowers, as far as I can judge, are marigold and jasmine. Sometimes you can see a garland of roses and lotus. Actually, today garlands are also made of a variety of natural and synthetic materials: paper, sandalwood shavings, cloves, metallic ribbon. For the groom at the wedding day a garland can be made even from Indian rupee banknotes, as wish of wealth.
Flower garlands can be made by anyone but their professional creators have always been men and women of the Mali caste. For centuries, Malis have provided flowers for use in Hindu temples and have made garlands for offerings to the gods. Today also some of the larger and wealthier temples, where prayers and rituals are performed every day, employ Malis permanently to make the garlands needed for ceremonial use.
Bride and groom with marigold malas
In ancient times a special kind of flower garland played a significant role in one event, which is described in the Mahabharata: a noble girl if she wished, had the right to choose her husband in what was called a svayambara marriage. Her intentions were announced and a tournament was proclaimed to which many men gathered. At the contest's conclusion, the girl made her choice of husband, usually the best performing participant. Her preference was indicated to all present when she placed a white flower garland around that man's neck.
So, as we can see, mala or flower garland has always played an important role in Hinduism.
