Sunday 24 March 2013

Holi Hai !!



India is a colorful kaleidoscope of people, places and customs. Its festivals are celebrated for days and even weeks – something unheard of in Western civilizations. Talking of festivals, there is one that truly embodies the spirit of colors: Holi. It is a spring festival celebrated on Phalgun Purnima or Puranmashi (full moon), which according to the Gregorian calendar, falls sometime in the month of February or March. This year, it will be celebrated on March 27, Wednesday, with preparations already in full swing. Though primarily a Hindu festival, Holi is celebrated by all and sundry, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. 

Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India and Nepal – two countries with a Hindu majority – as well as in other countries with a smaller Hindu population like Pakistan and Bangladesh. The celebrations also extend to Malaysia, South Africa, the UK and US, Mauritius, Guyana and other places which have large Indian Diasporas. The festival is also very special for the people of Mathura, Vrindavan and Nandagaon as these areas are traditionally associated with Lord Krishna who is believed to have played Holi with Radha and other Gopis. These places become big tourist destinations during the Holi season.  

According to Indian mythology, the word ‘Holi’ came from ‘Holika’, who was the sister of Hiranyakashipu: the great demon king who, after a long penance, received a boon from Brahma, the Creator. It made him invincible as he couldn’t be killed during the day or night, by man or animal, not indoors or outdoors, and neither on earth nor in the sky. As a result of his unique gift, his arrogance got the better of him – he attacked the Earth and the Heavens, demanding everyone to stop worshipping the Gods and bow in front of him. But his own son, Prahlada, was a devotee of Vishnu, the Preserver and tried to convince his father to change his ways.



Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his own son by having him trampled by elephants, poisoning him and throwing him amidst poisonous snakes. But no matter what he tried, Prahlada remained unharmed. Finally, Hiranyakashipu had his son sit on the pyre in the lap of Holika – his demoness sister. Holika also had a boon that made her immune to fire. Prahlada accepted his father’s orders and prayed to Vishnu for his safety. Everyone watched with baffled eyes as Holika burnt to death while Prahlada stayed unruffled. Holika’s burning and Prahlada’s salvation is celebrated as Holi. In Mathura, where Lord Krishna grew up, the festivities continue for 16 days, commemorating Krishna’s divine love for Radha. 

The festival of Holi also has other significances. It marks the end of winter and celebrates the many colors spring brings with it. Some also regard this least religious day as a way to appreciate good harvest and continuous fertility. People come out on the streets and roads, mostly dressed in white or light clothes, throwing colored powder and water at each other. It is a day that witnesses the blurring of differences in age, social status, gender, caste or religion. 



At Floralis, we hope these differences go away forever; and wish a colorful Holi to you and your family. Don’t forget to check out a wide range of gifts and novelties that make this day extra special for your loved ones.

Wednesday 13 March 2013

Plant a flower !!



All set to get your hands dirty? Plant a Flower Day is just round the corner

March 12 is Plant a Flower Day. As the name suggests, it’s a day meant for, well, planting flowers! This day is celebrated all over the world and is a great way to promote gardening as a hobby.  So, are you ready with your favorite flowers and those gardening tools? 

For centuries, gardening has been a great hobby, enjoyed by all age groups. Virtually anyone can participate in it, though there is a tendency for older people to indulge in it more. Since it’s a time consuming affair and something that requires patience, the hobby is more popular with the elderly. 

But gardening is something everyone should try, atleast once in their lives. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a busy professional, planting a flower, nurturing it and seeing it blossom is an experience worth having your fingernails soiled for.

And what about those who are already inclined towards gardening: what’s in it for them? For starters, they can be proud of their spades, pitchforks, pruners and trimmers and keep at it with renewed gusto. If possible, they can influence and motivate others to take up gardening as a hobby - it’s the closest anyone can get to nature and its flora and fauna.
Amidst all the humdrum of urban living, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to let go off materialistic pleasures. We are albeit leading more connected digital lives but thanks to technology, our lifestyles have become sedentary. Anytime, anywhere access to information, instant need gratification and rapidly disintegrating familial ties have made qualities like compassion, patience or even optimism redundant.  

Sometimes, it’s best to let go of our tendency to always be on the move and take things slow. If you have space outdoors, voila! You can utilize this area to build your own garden, or maybe, even a greenhouse. Ask your ‘gardener’ friends or relatives. Take help and advice from them. If you don’t know anyone who is into gardening, search online. You can easily get helpful tips, tricks and the dos and the don’ts to start off. Flower shops are also good places to find answers.

But all of us aren’t lucky enough to have our own space. For most, the best alternative is to start gardening indoors. Yes, one needs to be careful regarding what type of flowers one can grow indoors or not soiling the floors. But they are just minor issues. There are so many different, low-maintenance varieties out there that you can opt for if you are looking to build a flower nursery in your balcony or terrace. More than the place, it’s your intent that matters!

Another great way of celebrating Plant a Flower Day is by gifting flowers to your family and friends. Marigolds and Daffodils are flowers of March and hence, including them in a bouquet or floral arrangement will certainly make the occasion special.

At Floralis, we have a wide assortment of fresh flowers that you can choose from. Simply place your order and enjoy same day delivery across India. May the flowers add more color to your life.

Sunday 10 March 2013

Maha Shivratri



Maha Shivratri, or the night of the supreme Lord Shiva, is one of the most important Hindu festivals. As per the Hindu lunar calendar, it falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the Magh month. According to the Gregorian or the Christian calendar, this year the day falls on March 10.

In Hindu mythology, Maha Shivratri is Lord Shiva’s favorite day of the year, when He is in his elements. Believers who worship the deity on this day are able to control negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and lust and overcome their spiritual darkness and ignorance. 

Lord Shiva is the greatest Hindu god. When translated, Shiva means enlighten; thus, Lord Shiva is the one who enlightens. He is the creator and the preserver of the Universe.  He is also the destroyer of ignorance. Through His absolute radiance, He illuminates the Universe.

Though the religious observances of Maha Shivratri take place mainly at night, people observe a strict fast during the day; some staunch devotees do not even drink a drop of water. Worshippers recite the Panchakshara or five-syllable mantra, “Om Namah Shivay” all through the night. 

The redeeming mantra, when translated, means, “I bow to Shiva.” He is the inner self, the supreme reality or the consciousness dwelling inside us humans. Though regarded as the Destroyer, Shiva is the inner self that remains after everything has come to an end. And the chanter is bowing to Shiva, his real self. 

Maha Shivratri is an auspicious occasion, especially for women. Those married pray for the well-being of their husbands and sons. Unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva as He is considered the ideal life partner. In addition, Shiva is also Durga, Parvati and Kali’s spouse: the three most powerful and revered Hindu goddesses.  

On Shivratri, devotees worship the ‘lingam’ or the phallus symbolizing Shiva. It is made of quartz, granite, metal or marble. The phallus is bathed in milk, butter, sour milk and other offerings every three hours throughout the night. There are five foods representing immortality which are placed before the lingam. They are honey, sugar, butter, milk and curd. 

In addition, revelers light incense and offer flowers, while staying awake the entire night and listening to hymns, chants and songs. The nightlong fast is broken only the following morning.  In some parts of India, the festival goes on for more than a day – in Kashmir, Maha Shivratri is celebrated for 15 days! 

Usher in the celebrations with fresh and dried flowers from Floralis – the online flower boutique. Make this year’s Maha Shivratri auspicious for your family and all those special to you. With express delivery, send fresh flowers and a range of unique gifts to your loved ones throughout India in just one day!

Thursday 7 March 2013

Women's Day




A single woman can change many things; many women can change everything. That’s the underlying philosophy of celebrating a day dedicated to the spirit of womanhood all across the world. March 8 is International Women’s Day. And at Floralis, we salute, respect and acknowledge the social, economic and political achievements of women. To make March 8 truly special for the women in your life, we offer a thoughtful and innovative line-up of gifts which show how much they mean to you every single day of the year.


Mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend: a woman plays many roles with equal élan and makes this world a little bit more livable for the men. Can you imagine life without them? Can you forget how your mother woke up early mornings when you were in school and make breakfast or prepare your lunch box? Or, not appreciate how your wife takes care of the little things daily so that you don’t have to run crazy looking for something like a matching, and at the same time, properly ironed shirt to wear with that suit to office? And weren’t you ready to pick a fight with anybody who as much as talked to your little sister in a raised voice?

You know life wouldn’t be the same without these very special women. They adore us; hold us tight when something doesn’t go right, love us and spoil us silly – they are always there for us whenever we need them. Would it be too much to ask if we show our appreciation and respect by gifting them something that’s inexpensive yet goes a long way in showing we care? Probably not: more so with our carefully assorted range of fresh flowers, vases, candles, cakes, chocolates, sweets and home décor items which pamper these very special individuals. You will certainly put a smile on their faces and make them feel more wanted. Now, isn’t that a good thing?


And if you think you would be late in gifting the “fairer sex” this year, put your worries at bay. With Express Delivery, rest assured your gifts will arrive in time. Most products come with same day delivery; others can be delivered to the recipient’s doorstep within 24 hours. Isn’t that great? So, this year, you cannot make any excuses for forgetting this very important day or not getting the time to shop around for gifts in your tight schedules. We have made it easier for you to browse through the offerings and order with just a single click. Our secure payment gateway ensures all transactions are safe and your financial information is never at risk. 

Women – love them, hate them, but you cannot ignore them. And at Floralis, we go to great lengths to make International Women’s Day a day they will remember for a long time. So order now and see the sparkle in their eyes or hear the joy in their voices as they open their gifts and smother you with more love and affection you can probably handle!