Floral Dawn of the New Year

Summary

The author describes a visit to the vibrant Gultekdi flower market in Pune, India, on New Year's Day, reflecting on the market's energy and the beauty of flowers.

Abstract

On the first day of the new year, the author, an entrepreneur, visits the bustling Gultekdi flower market early in the morning, enjoying the freedom to set her own schedule. Amidst the chaos of delivery trucks and the sleepy city recovering from New Year's Eve, she is greeted warmly by a parking attendant. The market's colorful and aromatic atmosphere, filled with marigolds, roses, jasmines, and other flowers, provides a therapeutic start to the year. The author strolls through the market, taking in the vibrant sights and scents, and interacts with the welcoming shopkeepers. She reflects on the mood-enhancing properties of flowers and the hard work of the vendors who turn up early to earn their living. The visit is described as a magical and energizing experience, with the author wishing readers a happy new year amidst the natural beauty of the flower market.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep love for flowers, quoting Monet and a Japanese proverb, emphasizing their importance in her life.
She appreciates the therapeutic effect of the market's lively environment, considering it a form of mood moderation.
The author values the freedom and flexibility of being an entrepreneur, which allows her to prioritize visits to the flower market.
She acknowledges the dedication of the market vendors who start their day early, even on New Year's Day, to make a living.
The author finds beauty in the market's "beautiful chaos," admiring the array of flowers and the vibrant energy of the traders and customers.
She holds the market in high regard, considering it a wholesome place to welcome the new year.

Walking through the heaps of marigolds, bags full of jasmines, and bundles of roses to start the new year with renewed energy

Gultekdi flower market in Pune, India. Photo by the author

‘I must have flowers, always, and always.’ — Claude Monet

Like any other day, yesterday, in the first flush of the morning, I drove to the Market Yard flower market, also known as Gultekdi flower market. The best part of being an entrepreneur is the freedom to set my schedule and priorities. A regular here the last few months, I usually reach by 6:30 am to grab a parking space amidst the utter chaos of the delivery trucks. While the languorous morning after new year’s eve was yet to be stirred to life, a familiar face greeted me with a big smile, “Happy New Year, Madam!” – the parking attendant reported to his stipulated duty at 5 am.

The market started its usual trade in the early hours while the city was recovering from the new year’s eve hangover. Photo by the author

I love visiting this wholesale flower market. Witnessing the psychedelic commotion is therapeutic— kilos of marigold, jasmine, and tuberose being unloaded, bundles of pink, white, and yellow roses being packed for delivery, bunches of bright yellow sunflowers being carried by the vendors, retailers and wholesalers haggling over the rates, and traders busy with the old worn out account books.

Photo by the author

I cheerfully strolled down through Chrysanthemums, Asters, Lilies, Roses, Gladioli, Tuberoses, Gypsophila, Gerberas, Carnations, and Orchids. Flowers are such natural moderators of moods! The scents of jasmine and tuberose filled the air and instantly stimulated my senses. It is a beautiful chaos – vibrant visions, colors, scents, and sounds.

Happiness is to hold flowers in both hands. – Japanese Proverb

The shopkeepers here are always welcoming, even though I do not buy in bulk. On the first day of the year, they turned up at 5 am to earn their daily bread. The known shopkeepers greeted me with a warm “Happy New Year.” I picked up the flowers and headed home. They know I’d be back next week till these flowers dry up.

A magical, energizing and wholesome way to spend the first dawn of 2023. Wishing you all a happy and beautiful new year!

Photo by the author

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” — Henri Matisse