Ghazipur phool mandi

What it is

Delhi's older flower markets were moved and brought together at Ghazipur, on the eastern edge of the city, and it is now the capital's main phool mandi (flower market). There are two worlds side by side. One is loose desi flowers for worship and weddings: marigold, rose petals, jasmine and tuberose. The other is cut flowers for florists: gladioli, lilies, gerberas, carnations, chrysanthemums and imported orchids, wrapped in newspaper bundles. Decorators load vans for the evening's weddings, and by late morning the place is nearly empty. The winter wedding season is the peak.

Before you go

• Go very early. The market winds down by late morning.
• Winter mornings bring the widest range of cut flowers.
• It is a long way from central Delhi, so plan transport both ways.

The flowers you will see

Aztec marigoldThe golden-yellow flower of Mexican altars and Day of the Dead offeringsRoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursGladiolusTall, showy flower spikes grown from corms, known as sword liliesGerberaBright daisy-like blooms from South Africa, popular in gardens and bouquetsLilyTall bulb flowers with large, colourful blooms in many gardens and cultures

Also part of it, and being written: Agave amica.

More in India

🇮🇳 Mumbai · All yearDadar flower market at dawnMumbai's wholesale flower market beside Dadar station, at its busiest before the city has had breakfast. 🇮🇳 Kolkata · All yearMullick Ghat flower market under Howrah BridgeA crowded riverside flower market on the Hooghly, in the shadow of Howrah Bridge. 🇮🇳 Bengaluru · All yearKR Market flower hallBengaluru's old city market, where the flower floor is best seen from the stairs above. 🇮🇳 Chennai · All yearKoyambedu wholesale flower marketThe flower block of Chennai's vast Koyambedu wholesale complex, busiest before sunrise. 🇮🇳 Madurai · All yearMadurai malli at the Mattuthavani flower marketThe wholesale market that sets the daily price of Madurai malli, the jasmine the city is famous for. 🇮🇳 Nagercoil · All yearThovalai flower marketA village flower market near the southern tip of India that supplies Kerala, above all at Onam.