Marigold, Sikar, Rajasthan, India

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Marigold is a common garden plant found throughout the world. French Marigold and African Marigold are the two common species. It is an annual flower and is native of Central and South America, especially Mexico. The use of Marigold (Gendha) in religious and other ceremonies is due to Portuguese influence in Western India.

The cultivation of flower crops is known as floriculture. Marigold is one of the most widely grown crops in India. The flower is known as Gendha in Hindi and is widely used as offerings and decoration at the places of worship and weddings.

Marigold flowers are sold loose as well as in the form of garlands. Much of what is produced is consumed in India. Delhi is the hub of India's flower market. Coffee Home near Hanuman Mandir in Delhi is believed to be the largest flower market in Asia.