Goa - Firecracker Flower

Botanical Name: Crossandra infundibuliformis

Local Name: Referred to as Abolim by Goans

'Kanagaambaram', by Venkatx5, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Reason for being the state flower

Firecracker flower was declared as the state flower in the mid 1970s due to its significance in Goa’s socio-cultural setup.

Symbolic Meaning and Cultural Significance

Locally it is known as 'Abolim'. It is offered to the goddess 'Saibini'. The goddess 'Saibini' is Mirabai to the Santeri worshipping Konkanis and Mary, the mother of Jesus to the Catholics. Hence it symbolizes religious unity and harmony.

Uses

The little blossoms are frequently hung together into strands, at times alongside white jasmine flowers to make garlands. These garlands are quite popular and are either offered to their gods or used to decorate women's hair.

The plant is commonly used in folk medicine. Whereas the extracts from the flower are used to cure headache, fever, pain and to create a drink that stimulates the appetite.

Bibliography

https://www.theroamingdiary.com/2019/06/aboli-flower.html?m=1

https://www.navhindtimes.in/2020/04/27/magazines/buzz/of-firewalkers-and-firecracker-flowers/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236656703_EVALUATION_OF_WOUND_HEALING_ACTIVITY_OF_CROSSANDRA_INFUNDIBULIFO

RMIS_FLOWER_EXTRACT_ON_ALBINO_RATS

Gujarat - Marigold

Botanical Name: Tagetes

Local Name: It is called Galgoto in Gujarati and Genda in Hindi

'Farm of Marigold', by Prachi Wadekar, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Reason for being the state flower

Marigold is deemed highly for its ornamental, medicinal and ceremonial purpose. It is also one of the highly demanded cut flowers in the floral industry and Gujarat flourishes commercially due to the production of Marigold.

Symbolic Meaning and Religious Significance

Marigolds were often linked to the powerful strength of the sun and hence represent power, strength and light that exists within a person. In Hinduism the flower indicates auspiciousness. The colour orange signifies renunciation and hence it is offered to the deities symbolising the act of surrender.

Marigolds are also associated with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, who are considered a perfect couple according to Hindu mythology.

Uses

In common practice a toran made out of Marigold flowers is hung outside Indian homes during festivities. It is used in making garlands, for worship of gods, religious purposes etc.

Due to the pungent scent, they are good for repelling insects and pests from garden plants, and it also acts as a companion plant for tomatoes, eggplant, chili pepper, and potatoes.

Bibliography

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/marigold/marigold-flower-uses.htm

https://allgujaratnews.in/en/marigold-flowers-which-have-the-highest-productivity-in-india-in-gujarat/

https://www.indianspice.co.za/2021/03/25/the-spiritual-significance-of-marigold-flowers/

Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka - Lotus

Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera

Local Name: Known as Kamal in Hindi

'Sacred lotus Nelumbo nucifera', by T.Voekler, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Reason for being the state flower, Symbolic Meaning and Religious Significance

According to Hindu mythology, the Lotus is believed to have originated from the navel of Lord Vishnu with Lord Brahma being seated on it and hence it is associated with creation and is considered sacred. It symbolises beauty, peace, purity and fertility. As well as knowledge, non-attachment to desire and enlightenment therefore it is the designated state flower of multiple Indian states.

Uses

The flowers are often used in making garlands and offered to the gods.

Traditionally its leaves, seeds and rhizomes have been used in folk medicines, traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. It possesses many medicinal and nutraceutical properties.

Side Fact

The Lotus was chosen as the national flower because it enjoyed a significant presence in ancient traditions, scriptures and mythology.

Bibliography

https://himachaltourism.gov.in/flora-fauna/

https://testbook.com/question-answer/state-flower-of-haryana-is--60912ab73d670b7450cc53e5

https://nbri.res.in/lotus/

https://www.forbesindia.com/article/independence-day-special/national-flower-lotus/38427/1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelumbo_nucifera#:~:text=Traditionally%20rhizomes%2C%20leaves%2C%20and%20seeds,cholera%2C%20fe

ver%2C%20and%20hyperdipsia.