India: Chala market full of flowers for Onam festival
Cacophony reigns with people shouting and horns blaring, as drivers navigate through the narrow lanes of the market. “Ten to 15 loads arrive daily during the season. These are not usual suppliers, they come only during Onam (a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala),” says Chandrababu, a flower trader, as marigolds, roses, oleander and chrysanthemum are unloaded from the sacks.
Hardly a week is left for Thiruvonam and the flower market at Chala is in full bloom. The stalls are already up and running with baskets full of flowers arranged in front of the shops. Marigold, chrysanthemum, oleander (arali), cock’s comb (kozhipoo), bachelor’s button flower (vadamalli), tube rose, roses… Early birds flit in and out of the shops to grab their share of the market before other shoppers arrive.
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