This story appears in the May 2017 issue of National Geographic magazine. A few years ago I was on an assignment in India. I had a day off, so I went to the Mullick Ghat flower market in Kolkata.

Ranchi: Flower vendors are raking in good moolah this poll season. Ahead of results on Nov 23, many in city are busy preparing for bulk supply of garlands and bouquets anticipating further surge ...

India is a place of flowers. Lots of them. Piles of marigolds, roses, carnations and other flowers are left at temples, mosques and sikh gurudwaras for use in religious ceremonies. Afterwards ...