Flowers occupy a special role in Indian culture, history, myth and tradition. From the most elevated space of the sacred to adornment in everyday life, there is a flower for every season, every reason and a special one for the numerous gods and goddesses of Indian religion. Flowers—as offerings during ritual worship to intricate carvings on temple walls, embedded in modern paintings by contemporary artists to colourful carpets for welcoming gods and guests, from fragrant garlands that adorn Indian brides and grooms to aromatic essential oils and perfumes, used as a play of seduction in the Kamasutra—they refresh our spirits and elevate our souls.

Flower Shower explores this integral role that flowers play in our world. Discussing a range of topics from botany to aesthetics and history to poetry, the author takes you through an immersive journey, laden with the beauty and perfumes of the exotic, nutritional and decorative role of flowers within Indian tradition and aesthetics…