Ghaus Siwani/ New Delhi

Lotus flower has immense significance in the Hindu religion; many of the deities - Brahma, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kubera are shown sitting in the lotus; it’s attribute of sun and fire gods.

The flower is also offered at the feet of Goddess Durga and considered a symbol of long life and prosperity.

In west Bengal this is the bloom time for lotus as rows if flowers can be seen in the ponds. Interesintgly,  most of the farmers who cultivate lilies are Muslims while it’s users for sacred purpose are Hindus.

Lotus is cultivated in most parts of the country, but due to the abundance of ponds in West Bengal and the high rainfall, the cultivation of lilies is done on a large scale in the state. Hoda and Madnipur are more famous for its cultivation.

Lotus growers say the entire area will be covered with pink lilies in the next few days. The rural area of ​​Hoda is predominantly Muslim and most of the people are engaged in agriculture.

A view of Lotus field

Ramzan Mullah, a resident of Malirpur in Bagnan, said the lotus flowers that Muslims grow here are offered in various temples. It is used for worship in Hindu festivals. Along with East Madnipur, Hoda is also one of the largest flower growing areas in Eastern India.

Many exotic flowers are also exported from here. These are mostly used in the making of perfume in factories.

Areas like Alubedia, Bagnan and Amta in Hoda grow a lot of flowers. In Hoda and Madnipur districts, along with lotus, other flowers are also cultivated on a large scale. Farmers in Hoda say this season’s harvest seems to be good.

The green round leaves of the lotus can be seen covering all the ponds. After a few days, a lotus bud will appear and soon the lotus will bloom.

The ponds with lotuses growing all over are a sight to cherish and so are the happy faces of their growers. Again, farmers are expecting a good return for their hard work in terms of money.

A scene of flower Mandi

The lotus flower is used on many occasions during worship and for docrating spaces. Lotus flowers are used in the festivals of people of all religions; be it Hindus or Muslims. In Durga Puja, on the Ashtami day, lotus flowers are worshiped.

In the rural areas of Hoda, such as Olobedia, Bagnan and Kolagchhia, Muslim farmers cultivate flowers on a large scale. These are the areas where Muslims are predominant and their livelihood is based on flower cultivation.

Alam Sheikh, a resident of Malirpur in Bagnan, says the demand for lotus flowers is growing every year and it brings the family its income.