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CreditCredit... 10 Flowers, 10 Places Countries and regions around the world where flowers play a vital role — in cultural and religious traditions, the economy and daily life. A closer look at lotuses in Sri Lanka, amaranths in Peru, roses in Oman, marigolds in India, waterlilies in Vietnam, saffron in Kashmir, jasmine in Egypt, orchids in Papua New Guinea, proteas in South Africa and azaleas in Japan.
In the holy Indian city of Varanasi, the bodies of the dead are draped in garlands of marigolds before being cremated on the banks of the Ganges River. According to Hindu teachings, marigolds embody purity, strength and new beginnings, which means that they feature in rituals of all kinds, from political rallies to sacred festivals to weddings. In cities and towns across India, vendors display them heaped into small mountains or strung into ropes, which are used to adorn the necks of newlyweds or to embellish ceremonial altars. The petals can also be dried into a digestion-aiding tea or simmered in water to make a natural dye.
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Marigolds on the Ganges River in the holy city of Varanasi.
Credit...Keerthana Kunnath
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Marigolds on the Ganges River in the holy city of Varanasi.
Credit...Keerthana Kunnath
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An aarti lamp, held by priests for religious ceremonies along the ghats, or riverfront steps.
Credit...Keerthana Kunnath
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Negotiations in the Varanasi flower market start as early as 3 a.m.
Credit...Keerthana Kunnath
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Two women enjoying a quiet morning on the Ganges.
Credit...Keerthana Kunnath
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A bather in the river.
Credit...Keerthana Kunnath
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A basket of rose garlands on the bank of the Ganges. Devotees, who make annual pilgrimages to the shrines and temples of Varanasi, throw roses as well as marigolds into the river as offerings to the goddess Ganga.
Credit...Keerthana Kunnath
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