Hindu festivals often involve elaborate rituals and offerings, where flowers play a vital role in invoking blessings, expressing devotion, and enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. Below is a breakdown of popular flowers used in key Hindu festivals:

1. Diwali (Deepavali)

Significance: Festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
Best Flowers:

• Marigold (Tagetes) – Symbol of auspiciousness and positivity; widely used in garlands and torans (door hangings).
• Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) – Associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; symbolizes purity and divine beauty.

✅ Tip: Combine marigold with mango leaves for traditional decorations.

2. Navaratri / Durga Puja

Significance: Nine nights of worshipping goddess Durga in her various forms.
Best Flowers:

• Hibiscus (especially red) – Strongly associated with Kali and Durga; offered to symbolize strength and protection.
• Chrysanthemum – Used in regional rituals, especially in South India.
• Marigold – Used widely across India for decorating pandals and making garlands.

✅ Tip: Each day of Navaratri may be associated with a different color—match your flowers accordingly.

3. Ganesh Chaturthi

Significance: Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles.
Best Flowers:

• Durva Grass (Cynodon dactylon) – Technically a grass, but essential in worship of Ganesha.
• Red Hibiscus – A favorite of Lord Ganesha; symbolizes vitality and devotion.
• Marigold – Commonly used in garlands and puja setups.

✅ Tip: Avoid offering Tulsi (basil) leaves to Ganesha—it is traditionally considered inappropriate.

4. Krishna Janmashtami

Significance: Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
Best Flowers:

• Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Sacred to Krishna and offered in almost every puja.
• Frangipani (Plumeria) – Fragrant and favored in South Indian Krishna temples.
• Blue Lotus (if available) – Symbolic of Krishna’s divine aura.

✅ Tip: Pair Tulsi leaves with butter and sweets in your offering.

5. Rama Navami

Significance: Birth of Lord Rama.
Best Flowers:

• Marigold – Signifies righteousness and courage.
• Jasmine – Symbolizes purity and devotion; often offered in garlands.
• Champaka (Michelia champaca) – A traditional flower linked to Lord Vishnu avatars like Rama.

✅ Tip: Keep a clean, peaceful altar—Rama is revered for his serene and composed nature.

6. Maha Shivaratri

Significance: Night of Shiva; a day of fasting and deep spiritual worship.
Best Flowers:

• Datura (Jimsonweed) – Offered to Shiva, symbolic of overcoming poison and ego.
• Bilva (Bael) Leaves and Flowers – Absolutely essential in Shiva worship.
• White Lotus or Jasmine – Represents purity and asceticism.

✅ Tip: Avoid red flowers; Shiva prefers white or pale-colored offerings.

7. Lakshmi Puja (part of Diwali and other harvest festivals)

Significance: Worship of goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
Best Flowers:

• Lotus (especially pink) – The most iconic flower associated with Lakshmi.
• Marigold – Used extensively for torans and decorative purposes.
• Rose – Especially red or white; symbolizes love and purity.

✅ Tip: Cleanliness is key; a tidy home and altar are essential for welcoming Lakshmi.

8. Hanuman Jayanti

Significance: Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman.
Best Flowers:

• Red Hibiscus or Red Marigold – Red is Hanuman’s color, signifying energy and devotion.
• Banana Leaves and Plantain Flowers – Used in South Indian rituals.

✅ Tip: Chanting Hanuman Chalisa with flower offerings enhances the ritual’s power.

🌼 General Flower Symbolism in Hinduism: