Tagetes –Genda flower-गेंदा के फूल !

Tagetes –Genda flowers-गेंदा के फूल !

Genda Flowers -गेंदा के फूल {हिंदी में यहाँ पढ़ें}

            This is a very common worship flower found in different sizes and colors in different shades of yellow, saffron and maroon. Since yellow color is favorite of Vishnu and his avatars like Ram and Krishna, this flower is generously used in his worship. In addition to its beautiful looks this flower has a light and pleasant smell. Putting a garland in the neck of God during worship is also a part of "Sringaar" (Make up) of God. The garland of "Genda flowers" is most commonly used for this purpose. 

          It is also a favorite flower of Goddess Lakshmi due to its golden color. During festival of Deepawali  (Lakshmi Puja) the demand of "Genda flowers" increases manifolds. In addition to offering "Genda flowers" to Goddess it is also used in decoration of temples and houses in Deepawali festival. For decoration on different occasions, specially on weddings it is used with other flowers.

Genda and Lotus flower
Sold for Laxmi Puja

          During worship it can be offered to any god. The saffron color of ''Genda flowers" has a special significance for the Hindus. Saffron color is related to "Moksha" that is the desire of most of the religious Hindus.That is why we see "Saadhus" (Hermits) in saffron clothes. This combined with its easy cultivation makes it a favorite flower for Hindus. 

         "Genda flowers" have become a part of Indian culture. It is not only used for worship and decoration on festivals & religious events but also in the last rites after death. The flowers and its garlands are placed on the dead body.

           To fulfill the huge demand in the Indian markets this flower is cultivated on a large scale in India. Its cultivation has made the economic condition of many farmers better.

Tagetes –Genda flowers in flower beds
at "Fun Castle,Ranchi गेंदा के फूल !

       The tagetes flower is the beauty of a garden. The varieties having lesser height and multi-petaled ball like looks are planted in the garden. Such plants grow well during winter. Planted either in flower beds or in pots the give a fascinating look. I have seen a lover of "Genda flower" in Ranchi who decorates his double storied house with potted "Genda flowers"  along railings of terrace, roof and outer open stairs in winter. Pots are placed on the outer side of the railings in circular steel holders. Then that house looks amazing and awesome and keeps a permanent space in ones memory.

Tagetes is sometimes called by marigold which is a similar plant of European origin. In Sanskrit its name is "Sthulpushpa (स्थूलपत्र)".Some varieties of "Genda" has single layer of petals only but they are not preferred because their looks are not so lovely as the multi layered ones. Many years ago I had seen a multi-layered "Genda" flower which petals were conical in shape.

Tagetes Marigold –Genda flowers
The bright yellow flowers are fascinating!

   "Genda_flowers" have industrial and medicinal uses too. "Genda" flower oil is used in making perfumes and dried flower powder in poultry farming. Antiseptic property of "Genda" leaves is well known. It is also used in stomach and throat related problems. In eczema it is directly applied to the skin.

The herb of "Genda flower" is easily grown from dried full grown flower. The dried flower when opened shows pack of long thin seeds. These are sown in flower beds. After watering for few days numbers of small plants grow. After 4 - 5 centimeters height these are transferred and planted to desired places. It does not require much care. In fact if more fertilizer and watering given, it grows more but flowers less. This state in local Hindi language is called "palaa jana" (पला जाना). The smaller size variety flowers more in number than the bigger ones. It can also be grown in balconies in apartments for show or "Puja flower" where limited open space is available.

   

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