Diwali — the festival of lights, joy, and togetherness — is not just about glowing diyas and sweets. It’s also about the beauty of fresh flowers that fill homes with fragrance, positivity, and divine energy.
From temple poojas to door decorations, flowers hold a sacred place in Indian traditions, symbolizing purity, devotion, and prosperity.
Let’s explore which flowers are most commonly used during Diwali, why they are significant, and how you can use them to invite blessings and beauty into your home.
Which Flower Is Commonly Used for Diwali Decorations?
The marigold, or genda phool, is the most commonly used flower for Diwali decorations. You’ll find its vibrant orange and yellow petals hanging as garlands, adorning doorways, and scattered in floral rangolis.
Marigolds are considered auspicious because their bright color represents sunlight — a symbol of energy, new beginnings, and positivity. The flower’s natural fragrance purifies the air and creates a festive aura. Whether used in temple decorations, torans (door hangings), or pooja setups, marigolds remain the heart of every Diwali décor.
Pro tip: Mix yellow and orange marigolds together for a traditional yet stunning look. You can also add rose petals for extra charm.
Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Laxmi Pooja Vidhi: Inviting Prosperity and Grace
Commonly Used Flowers for Diwali Decorations
Diwali, the festival of lights, is incomplete without vibrant floral decorations. Flowers not only enhance the beauty of your home but also bring positivity, fragrance, and auspiciousness. Here’s a guide to some commonly used flowers for Diwali décor and how to use them creatively.
a. Marigold (Genda Phool) – The King of Festive Flowers
Marigolds are the most popular flowers for Diwali celebrations. Their bright orange and yellow hues symbolize energy, positivity, and optimism. Easy to find and long-lasting, marigolds are perfect for garlands, torans (door hangings), and borders for rangoli designs. Their vibrant presence instantly adds a festive charm to any space.
b. Rose – Symbol of Love and Auspiciousness
Roses are synonymous with love, elegance, and auspiciousness. Available in a wide range of colors, each carrying its own symbolic meaning, roses are commonly used in pooja thalis, floral rangolis, and decorative bouquets. Their fragrance creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making them a favorite choice for Diwali décor.
c. Jasmine – The Fragrant Purity
Jasmine is cherished for its delicate, soothing scent. It is often used in temple decorations, garlands, and as a natural embellishment in pooja areas. The white blossoms of jasmine symbolize purity, peace, and spiritual connection, adding a subtle yet meaningful touch to your festive décor.
d. Lotus – The Sacred Flower
The lotus holds deep significance in Hindu mythology, especially in relation to Goddess Lakshmi. Often featured in Lakshmi Pooja décor and floating arrangements in water bowls, the lotus represents prosperity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth. Its elegant form makes it a striking centerpiece for festive rituals.
e. Chrysanthemum – The Decorative Touch
Chrysanthemums are known for their vibrant, eye-catching petals and long-lasting freshness. Perfect for floral rangolis, garlands, and table centerpieces, they add a decorative touch that can last throughout multi-day Diwali celebrations. Their versatility makes them an ideal choice for enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home.
Which Flower Is Best for Diwali Pooja Use?
When it comes to Diwali pooja, the lotus stands above all. It is the sacred flower of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment. The goddess is often depicted sitting on a fully bloomed lotus, which represents divine beauty and fortune.
Offering a lotus flower during Lakshmi Pooja is believed to please the goddess and bring abundance into your home. If lotus isn’t easily available, red roses and jasmine flowers can also be used as they are considered sacred and fragrant offerings for worship.
Tip: Keep a fresh lotus in a bowl of clean water near the pooja space to maintain its freshness throughout the ceremony.
Which Flower Should Be Used to Decorate the Door to Invite Goddess Lakshmi?
In Hindu tradition, it’s believed that Goddess Lakshmi enters homes through clean and decorated doorways on Diwali night. That’s why hanging a marigold and mango leaves toran at your entrance is considered highly auspicious.
- Marigold brings positivity and joy.
- Mango leaves symbolize good health and fertility.
Together, they form a welcoming garland that invites divine energy and prosperity. You can also intersperse jasmine or roses within the toran for a touch of elegance and fragrance.
Which Flower Attracts Goddess Lakshmi?
The lotus flower is believed to be dearest to Goddess Lakshmi. In Hindu mythology, she is often called Padma (another name for lotus), which directly connects her with this sacred bloom. Offering lotus flowers during the pooja symbolizes inviting wealth and fortune into one’s home.
Apart from lotus, red roses are also said to attract the goddess because they represent love, respect, and purity of devotion. Placing them near diyas or idols enhances the divine ambiance.
Suggestion: Create a small water bowl with floating lotus petals and diyas to invoke blessings and serenity.
What Is the Diwali Flower Called?
When people talk about the “Diwali flower,” they are usually referring to the marigold. Its vibrant hue matches the glow of diyas and lanterns, making it a perfect fit for Diwali aesthetics.
Marigold garlands not only decorate homes but also purify the environment. In villages and cities alike, streets and temples bloom with rows of marigold garlands, symbolizing the arrival of light, joy, and prosperity.
Also Read: Diwali Lakshmi Pooja Vidhi: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Which Flower Is Commonly Used in Garlands and Religious Rituals?
Marigolds and jasmine are the two most commonly used flowers in religious rituals and garlands.
- Marigold is valued for their sturdiness and long-lasting freshness.
- Jasmine is loved for its soothing fragrance and purity.
These flowers are often combined to make garlands for idols, doorways, and temples. Their contrasting colors and fragrances enhance the spiritual atmosphere during prayers and festivities.
Fun fact: In southern India, jasmine garlands are also used by women in their hair during Diwali as a symbol of grace and purity.
Creative Flower Decoration Ideas for Diwali
If you love to experiment with décor, here are some creative and eco-friendly ways to use flowers this Diwali:
- Floral Rangoli: Use marigold petals, rose petals, and chrysanthemum to design a colorful rangoli around diyas.
- Floating Flower Bowls: Fill brass or glass bowls with water, add lotus petals and floating candles.
- Flower Curtains: Create hanging strings of marigolds or roses to decorate walls or balconies.
- Dining Table Décor: Add small vases of fresh jasmine or rose buds for a fragrant dining setup.
- Gift Wrapping: Wrap Diwali gifts with jute paper and tie them with dried flowers for a sustainable touch.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Choose Sustainable Floral Décor
While flowers are natural, their excessive use can lead to waste. Choose locally grown flowers instead of imported ones, and avoid plastic garlands. After the festival, compost the used flowers or use them to make organic colors or potpourri. This way, your Diwali remains beautiful and environmentally conscious.
Conclusion: Let Your Home Bloom with Blessings
Flowers bring more than just fragrance to Diwali — they bring divine energy, positivity, and charm. Whether it’s marigold garlands welcoming guests, lotus flowers honoring Goddess Lakshmi, or jasmine filling the air with serenity, every bloom has a story of devotion.
So, this Diwali, let your home glow with diyas and bloom with flowers — a perfect balance of light and life, beauty and belief. 🌼✨