Flowers are considered symbolic of life and happiness and are therefore an important aspect of any worship. Each deity is believed to have a favourite flower which, if offered in worship, adds merit to the prayer. Usually, fragrant soft-petalled flowers are offered in worship. Red flowers are usually offered to female deities.
Traditionally, showering honoured people with flower petals was an accepted form of demonstrating respect. Kings, heroes and sages were honoured in this manner. Even today, a traditional welcome or farewell is incomplete without flowers.
This practice is also evident in the course of the wedding ceremony. Showering petals is also a form of blessing, as at the end of the ceremony, when the
bride and groom are showered with petals by all those present.
In the southern part of India, an important part of a woman"s toilette is flowers in her hair.