Mallick Ghat Flower Market (near Howrah Bridge) – One of the largest flower markets in India.

Step 1: Introduction to Mallick Ghat Flower Market

Mallick Ghat Flower Market is a historic and vibrant wholesale flower market located at the base of the iconic Howrah Bridge, on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in Kolkata. This market is one of the largest flower markets in India, renowned for its colorful atmosphere, early morning activity, and cultural significance.

It is a key hub not just for florists, but also for temples, decorators, event planners, and individual buyers across the city and even outside Kolkata.

Step 2: Location and Accessibility

• Located just beneath the Howrah Bridge, on the Kolkata (Burrabazar) side of the river.
• It connects easily to:
  • Howrah railway station (a short walk)
  • Burrabazar and Strand Road
  • Local transportation like taxis, rickshaws, buses, and ferries across the Hooghly River.
• The market is open every day, with peak activity between 4 AM to 9 AM.

Step 3: History and Legacy

• Established in the mid-1800s, Mallick Ghat Flower Market is one of the oldest flower markets in India.
• It was built by Ram Mohun Mallick, a wealthy zamindar, who also built the adjacent Mallick Ghat (a bathing ghat on the river).
• Over time, the flower market grew into a massive commercial hub, supplying flowers to not just Kolkata but also districts across West Bengal and other Indian states.

Step 4: What the Market Offers

1. Wide Variety of Flowers:

• Marigolds – especially popular for pujas, weddings, and festivals.
• Roses – sold in bunches of various colors (red, yellow, pink).
• Tuberose (Rajnigandha) – used for garlands, religious rituals, and decoration.
• Lotus and lilies – for temple offerings and religious functions.
• Jasmine (Beli) – used in garlands and for fragrance.
• Exotic flowers – Orchids, chrysanthemums, carnations (used in events and hotels).

2. Garlands and Floral Decorations:

• Handmade garlands (malas) for religious ceremonies, weddings, and special events.
• Decorated flower baskets for gifts or puja offerings.
• Floral items for temples, home altars, and ritual purposes.

3. Seasonal and Festival Items:

• During Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Diwali, the market sees a surge in:
  • Special flower arrangements
  • Large-scale orders for pandals, events, and home decorations

Step 5: The Daily Shopping Experience

• The market comes alive before sunrise (from 3:30 AM onwards).
• It is at its busiest between 4 AM and 7 AM, when wholesale transactions take place.
• Buyers range from temple priests and florists to wedding decorators, wholesalers, and photographers.
• The environment is:
  • Noisy and energetic, with constant bargaining
  • Visually stunning, as vibrant flowers pile high everywhere
  • Aromatic, filled with floral fragrances

Step 6: Cultural and Social Significance

• The market plays a central role in Kolkata’s religious and social life, where flowers are essential for:
  • Worship and rituals (pujas)
  • Weddings and funerals
  • Festivals and cultural functions
• It also reflects the informal economy, supporting thousands of families who rely on flower cultivation, transport, and sales.

Step 7: Behind-the-Scenes Economy

• Flowers arrive daily from:
  • Suburban and rural Bengal – such as Krishnanagar, Baruipur, Seoraphuli
  • Neighboring states like Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar
• Vendors often:
  • Work without permanent stalls
  • Sit on mats or makeshift platforms
  • Operate in difficult conditions (heat, rain, or mud)
• Many workers are women and elderly men, and entire families are often involved in the trade.

Step 8: Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

• Unmatched variety and volume of flowers in one place.
• Authentic local experience – unique to Kolkata.
• Essential for businesses, religious institutions, and decorators.
• Provides employment to thousands of people, including flower farmers, transporters, and vendors.

Challenges:

• Overcrowding during peak hours.
• Poor sanitation and drainage, especially in monsoons.
• Lack of permanent infrastructure – many sellers operate without formal shops or shelters.
• Difficult working conditions, especially for elderly vendors and women.

Step 9: Tourist Attraction and Photography Spot

• Because of its unique atmosphere, Mallick Ghat Flower Market is also a major attraction for tourists and photographers.
• The contrast of vibrant flowers with the towering Howrah Bridge in the background makes it a dream location for street and travel photography.
• Local guides often include it in early morning Kolkata heritage walks.

Step 10: Conclusion

Mallick Ghat Flower Market is more than just a marketplace — it is a living, breathing part of Kolkata’s cultural identity. From daily worship to major festivals and weddings, it supplies the flowers that beautify and bless nearly every aspect of Bengali life. Despite its chaotic and crowded nature, the market continues to thrive as a symbol of resilience, tradition, and color. Whether you’re a florist, a photographer, or a curious visitor, this market offers a rich and unforgettable experience of Kolkata’s soul.