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Prasad flowers

Flowers that have been offered to a deity and are given back to worshippers as a blessing.

Also: nirmalya

In Hindu worship, things offered to a deity are returned to the worshipper as prasad, a gift that carries blessing. This applies to flowers as well as food. A priest may hand back a flower or a garland from the altar. People take it home, tuck it in their hair or behind an ear, or keep it at the household shrine. Used offerings are called nirmalya and are meant to be disposed of with respect, traditionally in running water and now often by composting.

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