Page 4 - Apr-Jun 2013

Flowers - our HeriTAGe

Flowers have found their way from tables to not only our medicines, perfumes and dyes
but also our food. Let’s explore the versatility of these beautiful creations of nature.
flOwERS AND ARChITECTuRE whAT IS A hISTORIC GARDEN?
flowers, trees, plants and animals have all been
an intrinsic part of indian architecture. They have a historic garden is a garden that is of interest to the public
adorned temples, monasteries, palaces, tombs and other from the historical point of view. These gardens were built
general structures too. stupas and temples have used flowers by monarchs to serve as a place for joy and contemplation.
as symbols that carry a lot of meaning in them. One of these Of the many types, Mughal gardens and the rajput gardens
significant symbols used is that of the Padma - or the lotus are particularly impressive like the Nishat garden of Kashmir.
symbol which epitomised the prime symbol of creation. Then
there is also the Purnakalasa—or the—overflowing flower pot
a symbol of creativity and prosperity. in islamic architecture PRESIDENT'S PARADISE
usage of the flower lotus was quite dominant including the
finials of domes, minarets and gates like the ala’i- darwaja The Mughal garden is a beautiful part of the residence
in Qutub Minar complex, delhi. The floral patterns were of the President of india.built by sir edwin lutyens,these
engraved in white marble, with rows of flowering plants gardens are a combination of
exquisitely carved in low relief, e.g. the Taj Mahal. Mughal and british architecture.
The art of flowers in architecture has been practiced since it is home to as many as 250
centuries. This form of art is known as ‘pietra dura’ or ‘parchin species of roses amongst many
kari’ as called in south asia. The surviving example of this art other flowers which delight the
is the Taj Mahal in agra. viewer.
Sharanpreet Singh, Std. 7, Delhi Public School, Sec 45, Gurgaon

flORAl fOOD flOwERS & fESTIVAlS
The giliri flowers in the Keonjhar district of Odisha are used flowers have important place in festivals also. we must not
for many delicacies by the tribals of that area. The flower is forget the festival Onam, where flowers look pretty well in
sometimes simply fried and sometimes with batter. it is also rangolis. basant Panchami, the festival of spring season, is
used in the curries. in Jharkhand some flowers are sold as entirely about yellow things, especially yellow and orange
an alternative source of vegetables. in bengali and Kashmiri flowers.
cuisine too, the pumpkin flower is used for making ‘pakoras.’ Kartikay Parashar, Std. 8, Gwalior Glory High School, Gwalior
Commonly known as kesar in hindi, kong in Kashmiri and
zafran in urdu, saffron is one of the most exquisite spice used
in indian cuisine that is derived from a flower. saffron is the
dry stamen of the crocus flower. Phool Walon Ki Sair is a yearly celebration by the florists of
delhi. literally it means a ‘procession of the florists’ and is a
flORAl DESIGN three-day festival, generally held in the month of september,
in the Mehrauli region of delhi.
Rangolis and torans can also be made from flowers, and
are an integral part of any festivity in India. Make a AwESOME ATTAR
rangoli pattern or a toran design below. attar is the arabic word for ittar or a natural perfume. derived
from flowers and natural sources these oils are extracted
using hydro or steam distillation. Ittar is highly concentrated
and therefore only small quantities of it are sold.
Jasmine is a popular flower used
to make hair oil. it is also said
that hibiscus hair oil darkens
hair and makes it lustrous.

Illustration by: T. Sahana, Std. 7, Sri Sankara
Vidyashramam Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Chennai

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