Threading Marigold Garlands At Market

Beneath ropes of hanging marigold and jasmine garlands, three women sit cross-legged on a woven mat threading loose petals into long strands. One knots a strand of white jasmine, another works orange marigold heads, and a third ties off a finished garland beside bowls of loose petals. Around them, market stalls sell mounds of orange, yellow and white flowers along with heaps of green leaves, while shoppers in bright saris move between the stands. Strings of finished garlands loop overhead from the shaded awning, and a woman in green sorts more petals at a side counter. Wooden crates hold extra stock, and vendors weigh out bundles for waiting customers further down the lane. Each mound of a single flower color at the front tables sorts itself before a single strand is even threaded.