Mala
The South Asian word for a garland of flowers, used for worship, welcome and weddings.
Also: haar, phoolon ka haar, maalai
Mala means garland in Hindi and many other Indian languages. Haar is another common word, and maalai is the Tamil form. Marigolds, roses, jasmine, tuberose, chrysanthemums and lotus are threaded with needle and string or knotted with fibre. A mala is placed on a deity's image, round the neck of a guest or an honoured person, on a portrait of someone who has died, and on vehicles and tools at festivals. Bride and groom exchange them in the varmala ceremony.