PHOTOS: Colorful Chaos at Kolkata’s Mullik Ghat Flower Market

By Mark Wiens 9 Comments
Kolkata's Mullik Ghat Flower Market
Kolkata’s Mullik Ghat Flower Market

One of the top things to do in Kolkata is to visit the always colorful and chaotic Mullik Ghat flower market.

The market takes place just below the magnificent Howrah bridge, and is located adjacent to the Hooghly River.

Waiting for customers
Waiting for customers

I took a taxi to get to the market and arrived mid-morning, but I think the market is virtually open and busy 24 hours a day.

Walking to the flower market, right underneath the Howrah Bridge
Walking to the flower market, right underneath the Howrah Bridge

Yes, it’s a little dirty, but the colorful chaos of flowers, transporters, and shoppers was an incredibly interesting scene to witness.

Men walk through the market bearing strands of marigold flowers
Men walk through the market bearing strands of marigold flowers

Some people run, others walk fast, some squat on the side or in the middle of the walkway, and others lay or sleep on top of flowers or in the middle of the market. Anything goes in Kolkata.

This is one of my favorite photos!
This is one of my favorite photos!

Some of the people and sights I saw really reminded me of Cairo, an ancient land that made me feel like I was in a history book rather than in 2013.

Howrah Bridge and the Hooghly River
Howrah Bridge and the Hooghly River

If you take one of the small lanes to the river, you’ll get a great view of the impressive Howrah Bridge, one of the worlds busiest pedestrian bridges.

Kolkata flower market
Making a purchase right from his back!

While there are roses and other flowers, nothing dominates the market like orange and yellow marigolds, which are widely used for religious rituals.

Marigold vendors at the market
Marigold vendors at the market

The marigold trade is huge, and they are often sold in long strands.

Loaded down with flowers, and ready to go
Loaded down with flowers, and ready to go

One of the best things to watch when you’re at the flower market is transporters getting buried in countless strings of marigold flowers to deliver somewhere. It looks like a giant flower dress.

The always busy Howrah Bridge
The always busy Howrah Bridge

If you visit the Kolkata Mullik Ghat flower market, be sure to walk over to the Howrah Bridge to get a great view. The amount of pedestrians, and what they are all carrying, is incredibly amusing as well!

9 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Jon Tang

    5 years ago

    Looks nice. You should mention about the currency of India. The old and the present currency that has been using right now. Someone gave me old Rúpias for an exchange which I can’t use. It cost me 50 UsD. Thanks Marks for all the travel advise and food shows.

    Reply

  • Prakash

    7 years ago

    wow Howrah Bridge is very awesome

    Reply

  • Arti

    10 years ago

    Colorful India! Beautiful photos from the City of Joy 🙂

    Reply

  • budget jan

    10 years ago

    Now that is one jaw dropping collection of photos.

    Reply

  • Maria

    10 years ago

    The two men, walking through the market area with strands of Marigolds… show stopper photo Mark. Wow!

    Reply