The importance of religious significance about flowers had illustrative meaning in ancient Egypt. In the ancient life of Greek and Romans, they used to have the practice of decorating their homes, communities, and temples with fresh aromatic flowers for special occasions such as anniversaries and weddings. Comparatively, in recent times the usage and production of garland have been more elaborate in Asia. Every country is unique like the Thai have their phuangmalai and the Hawaiians have their lei; likewise, the Indians have their mala or haar.

Fresh garlands have an important and traditional role in every festival; the Gods are decorated with garlands made up of different fragrant flowers and leaves. Leaves along with fragrant and non-fragrant flowers are religiously essential to make garlands to worship deities. Garlands are made not only to decorate God’s but also to beautify the spaces of the temple. During special occasions, mango leaves and flowers are used to decorate the frame of the main entrance as a note of auspiciousness welcome.

The craft of making flower garlands originated in the Indian subcontinent and has spread worldwide; fresh flowers are procured, and pooja garlands are created by trained artisans who can create the number of garlands per day!
Flowers and garlands have played an important role in the Hindu tradition. Garlands have always been utilized and believed to be the symbol of beauty, respect, devotion, purity, and peace. Fragrance from the fresh flowers acts as a connecting medium between the devotee and deities. The fragrance of natural fresh flowers makes the atmosphere divine. The positivity of the deities and divine vibrations can be influenced through flowers. In general, positive vibrations are felt in the presence of flowers, and it also makes the environment filled with peace and happiness.
Usage of flowers was secular according to Hindu society in the earlier stage. The aroma of fresh flowers has been enjoyed by Indian culture at ceremonies; garlands were sought after for their attractiveness as well as fragrance. The love for gods, men, and women is symbolized by a flower in the form of Garland. In Religious rituals, fresh garlands play a vital role. In magnificent temples, domestic rituals, and public ceremonies, garlands are served as offerings for devotion. “Puja,” the name of Hindu ritual, which means “flower act,” highlights the importance of flowers in the religious aspect. Pleasant-scented flowers are more preferred than others for making garlands. Red roses, spider lilies, frangipani, paras, jasmine, and marigolds are the most preferred flowers to make garlands.
Favorite flowers Of Deities:
In Hinduism, as mentioned earlier, flowers play a vital role. An offering of a favorite flower to the respective deity is very important because each flower is unique in color and fragrance, without which the act of propitiating is incomplete. The principles of a specific deity can also be influenced by a distinct flower that has a vibration capacity. In general, fully blossomed flowers are offered to the Gods and Goddesses. Come let’s see which flowers are offered for each deity.
Dhatura Garland for Lord Shiva:
To save both Devas and Asuras, Lord Shiva had to consume the hustle poison that was produced from the ocean of milk as a result of churning. When Lord Shiva consumed it, Dhatura was formed in the chest of Lord Shiva. From then onwards, Dhatura has been considered as a dedicated flower to lord shiva.
Hibiscus Garland for Lord Ganesh:
Generally, flowers that are red in color are the representation of Mars and the Moon. Lord Ganesh was fond of bright-colored flowers and considered pleasant for his pooja. The broad petal of fresh Hibiscus flower symbolizes the face of Lord Ganesh and is believed to provide prosperity and destruction of enemies.
Lotus Garland for Goddess Lakshmi:
When the ocean of milk was churned vigorously, the first God to come out of it was Goddess Lakshmi. She was seated in pink lotus; hence we offer lotus and believe she bless her devotees with wealth and prosperity.
Tulsi Garland for Lord Krishna:
Devotees from Hindu consider Tulsi as their auspicious plant, and Vedic information provides proof that lord Krishna was much affiliated to this plant. Hence Tulsi is offered to Lord Krishna and also Prasada for his devotees.
Palash Garland for Goddess Saraswathi:
Goddess Saraswathi is well known as the Goddess of knowledge. She is fond of Palash flowers. Sitting on a white lotus with a white saree is the uniqueness of Goddess Saraswathi. Though white-colored flowers too are liked by Devi Saraswat, the Palash flower is one of the essential flowers that is used in Saraswathi puja.

In Hindhu sastra, it is believed that God accepts once prayer along with fresh garlands put on the idol with pure emotions. While performing puja deity garlands can be used as alternates in case if you cannot find fresh flowers or flower garlands, deity garlands are strung in satin and beads, and other decorative items.
Adding fresh flowers and pooja garlands to your daily prayers is considered divine and prosperity for the belief you have in God; Pooja word is arrived by merging two words “pushpam,” and “Japam” Pushpam means flower, and Japam represents chanting mantras So along with mantras, if you offer fresh flowers to God, it symbolizes purity and devotion.
In extremely cold climates and seasons where fresh flowers are unavailable, garlands that are made from Strawflowers are used for worship; this Deity Garland is made up of dried natural flower garland. When these garlands are soaked in water for 5 minutes, they become natural and fresh again. This garland takes a longer time to get dry, and so the demand for these strawflowers increases over seasons.
God always loves if you offer a single flower or a garland of flowers; the results from the almighty are the same; the only need is to surrender with a divine and pure heart.