Godkhali flower market

What it is

Godkhali, in the Jhikargachha area of Jashore district, is known as the flower capital of Bangladesh. Commercial flower farming in the country began in these villages, and fields of tuberose, gladiolus, marigold, rose and gerbera now stretch for miles. Each morning farmers arrive at the roadside market on bicycles and vans piled with flowers, and wholesalers buy for Dhaka and other cities. Trade peaks in February, when three occasions fall close together: Pohela Falgun, the first day of spring, Valentine's Day, and 21 February, when the nation lays flowers at monuments to the language martyrs.

Before you go

• Be there at sunrise. The market is over within a few hours.
• After the market, walk or cycle through the flower fields nearby.
• Winter, from December to February, is the main season.

The flowers you will see

GladiolusTall, showy flower spikes grown from corms, known as sword liliesAztec marigoldThe golden-yellow flower of Mexican altars and Day of the Dead offeringsRoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursGerberaBright daisy-like blooms from South Africa, popular in gardens and bouquets

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