Welcoming New Year - 2014

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

2014 is just around the corner and it’s time to put on your party hats. For many people the New Year not only is an excuse to rejoice but also it’s a new opportunity to make promises and reinvigorate their spirits. Each year millions of people make promises to themselves, and to others, on everything ranging from eating better, to being a better person. What better way to symbolize this time of regeneration, of emerging from the frayed into the pristine, than with flowers? Flowers, delicate and beautiful yet unassailable–they are the warriors of extreme weathers, emerging victorious season after season.

This year let Floweraura assist you to spread the message of hope and renewal. Celebrate the New Year with Flowers - a lovely gift for friends, family, loved ones–or even your own self.

Sunflower For all new beginnings, for having the wind at your back and setting your face toward new horizons, the gorgeous sunflower carries your wishes.

Gerberas This bright, cheerful flower asks that you enjoy life more. That you’ll dance when you want to, visit new places and that you’ll be infused with strength.

Orchids One of the most alluring and captivating flowers, making them a perfect choice for the loved ones in your life. They are the ideal choice for a gift. They signify strength and purity.

Lilies Lilies stand for happiness, though different varieties of the flower carry different meanings. Rain lilies are well known for unfurling their petals after rain, which makes them a perfect symbol of new hope after hardships.

Petunias Petunias are popular and reliable flowering ornamental plants. Petunias suggest a charming presence, as if quietly whispering in the ear of your loved ones that, “Your presence is highly appreciated!"

These are just a few of the many flowers that symbolize new hope, life and beginnings. Remember that each flower has a different meaning and florists at Floweraura, are always there to assist you. Each bouquet you send this year can be unique, personal and infused with meaning and we at Floweraura grail towards these qualities. We know that this busy season is stressful for many, especially when last minute gifts are needed. But you don’t have to do it all yourself— Floweraura is always there for you, just a click away!!!

New Years is all about celebration and looking ahead. Take the time to celebrate your loved ones and the good times ahead with New Years flowers and gifts from Floweraura. Shop from our selected array of flowers and gifts to kick off the New Year.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Birds Of Paradise

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

The colorful “plumage” of the bird of paradise flower stands out even in an array of beautiful blooms. When it is in full bloom, its “head” uplifted on the slender stalk, it’s easy to see the flower’s resemblance to the bird from which it reputedly gets its name. These flowers make wonderful conversation pieces, and their inclusion in a bouquet adds a touch of elegance to any space.

Strelitzia Reginae

As with many flowers and plants, the common name of the bird of paradise flower is much different from its scientific name. Add to the fact that, in addition to the bird, there are other types of flowering shrubs and bushes that are called “bird of paradise” and you can see why it’s sometimes necessary to define which one you are speaking of. When most people refer to the bird of paradise flower, however, they mean the “Strelizia Reginae”, which also is sometimes called a “crane flower.”

Climate For Growth

Though the bird of paradise flower is indigenous to South Africa, where it can reach heights of up to 15 feet, it grows well in many warm climates around the world. For all its ornamental appeal, the flower is fairly easy to grow, under the right conditions. With warmth, sunlight, and just enough watering and feeding, the bird of paradise offers its surprising blooms to both professional and amateur gardeners. Even so, florists in many locations, with their unique artistry, create designs that highlight the flower’s exotic appeal.

Symbolism

In the language of flowers, the bird of paradise has a few meanings. Magnificence and joyfulness are two meanings often associated with this stately bloom. Then again, since it reminds them of a bird that has spread its wings and taken flight, the flower symbolizes freedom to them. Faithfulness and happiness are also terms that are associated with this flower. If you want to send a message with flowers, Floweraura will no doubt be helpful–but remember, sometimes a beautiful flower is its own simple message.

Notice, when you look through Floweraura’s online floral market, how sometimes the most magnificent flowers, like the bird of paradise, are hiding in plain sight. A unique bouquet may, at first glance, just seem like a collection of colors, but then you begin to notice the florists' artistry. Each flower is placed to amplify or, sometimes, subdue, the blooming flower next to it, on the whole presenting a robust picture.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Meaning Behind Flower Colours

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

Flowers are the music of the ground.
From earth's lips spoken without sound.
Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful;
they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.
Flowers, they have a language of their own. Each type and colours of flowers communicate with the universe in their own rhythm. One bunch of flowers could tell a thousand tales of love and devotion, while another could be a gentle reminder to a loved one, that no matter how hard times might be, there’s always a silver lining.

Professionals florists at Floweraura are well versed with this mystical language of flowers and can communicate your messages to your dear ones, just by arranging flowers in a designated manner. So the next time you send or receive flowers, notice the arrangement carefully and try to decipher the story that they try to convey in the most elegant manner.

Here are some of the colours of flowers and their significance:

• RED : Vibrant, passionate, it is the colour of love and romance. Red flowers symbolize respect, courage, admiration and desire.
  
  
• PINK : Delicate and gentle. A very romantic as well as feminine colour signifying elegance and beauty.
  
  
• BLUE : This is the colour of the ocean, the colour that represents serenity.
  
  
• YELLOW : These are full of life and can brighten up a dull room. Joy is the feeling they evoke.
  
  
• WHITE : White flower constitute within them a number of emotions. Sympathy, brilliance, gentleness, boldness, purity.
  
  
• LAVENDER : Delicate, feminine and vintage. They also depict elegance and glory when set in a modern arrangement.
  
  
• PURPLE : The colour of royalty which signifies dignity, tradition and success.
  
  
• ORANGE : The colour is full of vibrant joy and speaks vigour, excitement and exhilaration.
  
  

Now you're well adept and know all about the different flower-colours, and the finer meanings attached with them. So what are you waiting for, choose the most appropriate flowers for your dear ones.

Celebrate your special bonds with FlowerAura, let your loved ones know how much you love and value them with our special gifting options, that we at FlowerAura promise to deliver at their doorstep. Also please check out the affordable flowers range, especially for your friends and family, only at FlowerAura.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Flowers : A Gift for all Occasions

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

For many years flowers have been used to express countless emotions. Whether it is happiness, sadness, love, friendship, sympathy or gratitude, the illuminating and vibrant colourful petals can convey all thoughts with utmost ease and humbleness. Floral arrangements really are the perfect gift for any occasion. Scientific studies carried out over the years have shown a positive correlation between the presence of flowers and the positive mood of a person.

We at Floweraura believe that any kind of flowers can brighten up someone’s day. The real advice we give all our clients is to think about the person you are giving flowers to and follow your gut instinct. Sending flowers to your better half? What better way to express your undying love, than a bouquet of lilies. Flowers for a friend who is full of life? We’ll create a breathtaking arrangement of exquisite yellow roses.

Still not sure about your judgement? Choose from our wide and breathtaking range of flowers and combos, carefully chosen for you by professionals at Floweraura for every occasion.

• BIRTHDAY: Anything bright will do the trick. Using a persons favourite flower is the best solution.
  
  
• FATHER’S DAY: Roses and petunias would be the most appropriate.
  
  
• MOTHER’S DAY: Carnations, lilies and orchids would be the best.
  
  
• GET WELL SOON: A bunch of bright yellow roses can brighten up one’s day.
  
  
• VALENTINE’S DAY: a bunch of roses in assorted colors can truly express your love.
  
  
• NEW BABY: Bright, jovial and lively bouquets to introduce a little one into the world.
  
  
• FESTIVALS: Lilies, chrysanthemums, roses, daisies, marigolds etc in a combination of traditional bouquets.
  
  
• ANNIVERSARY/WEDDINGS: A mix of flowers reflecting the individual personalities of the couple.
  

Your wishes are important, so never disappoint your loved ones by forgetting to bestow your best wishes on their special occasions. No matter what the distance, you can send your warmest regards just by the click of a button, through our online delivery system anywhere in India. Choose from a wide range of exquisite flowers and combos at Floweraura. Order today and let your wishes touch the hearts of your near and dear ones.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

A Pot of Petunias

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

My grandfather has always a great enthusiast for gardening (growing flowers). Ever since I was a little child, I remember him dressed up in his gardening attire (including a cap) accompanied by his gardening tools, make his way to the little garden he had made in front of our house.

Years went by and like each of my siblings; I went onto do my own thing, having hardly any time for anything else. It had been a long time since I had seen my grandfather and I felt guilty about not visiting him more often. So I decided it was time to pay a visit to the old man who had taught me a lot of things about survival in the real world. I wanted to do something special for him so as to reflect my love and gratitude for the all the things he had ever done for me, knowing his passion for gardening, I decided to surprise him with a pot of home grown petunias.

The very next day I went and bought some petunias seeds from a local shop. Over the years I had gathered some knowledge from my grandfather about growing flowers and I intended to put it all to use. Here are some tips which helped me grow this annual flower in the convenience of my apartment.

• Initially keep the plant inside for 10-12 weeks before setting them outside.
• Petunia seeds are very small and need a lot of light to grow.
• The soil should be well drained and the plant should be sheltered against wind as it is very delicate. Petunias are heat tolerant and hence don’t need much water. A thorough watering once a week is enough. (Depending upon the area where you live in)
• Fertilize the plant monthly to ensure good growth.

Petunias are popular and reliable flowering ornamental plants and continue to rank among the most popular flowering annuals year after year. They originally are of South American origin, blooming in vibrant colors (pink, ruby, white, purple, yellow etc.) and are full of life. Petunias suggest a charming presence, as if quietly whispering in the ear of your loved ones that, “Your presence is highly appreciated!!!” What a unique way to praise your loved ones for their undying support throughout one’s life.

My gift for my grandfather is growing at a steady pace and looks stunning. It’ll be a while till the plant will be in its full bloom and when it is, I’ll take it to my grandfather and I hope he likes them. Fingers crossed.

Away from your loved ones? Let them know how essential their presence in your life is, because when words are not enough… Floweraura is your messenger of affection, 24*7 at your service and just a click away. Let your loved ones know how much you love and value them with our amazing gifting options, which we promise to deliver at their doorstep through our Express Delivery System. Also check out our affordable combo range, especially for you, at FlowerAura.

With every purchase you make at FlowerAura, you contribute Rs. 2/- towards social development initiatives taken by Association for India’s development (AID). AID is a volunteer driven non-profit organization promoting sustainable, equitable and just development.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Rakshabandhan - The Thread Of Love

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

“A sister is a friend and a defender, a listener, conspirator, a counselor and a sharer of delights as well as sorrows.”
I received a phone call from my mother, reminding me that Rakhi was just around the corner and I better buy my elder sister a gift in advance as she wasn’t going to help me buy one this year. Ever since I was a little kid, I remember the festival of Rakhi as being one of the many festivals our family celebrated every year. This year this festival falls on 21st August.

I have always been very close to my sister. There was a time when we couldn’t stand next to each other without pulling the other persons hair out. I pulled her pigtails and she complained to our parents that I was not studying before my exams. Yes, like all siblings we used to fight a lot. Maybe it was a phase, but the truth is that I loved fighting with her. I have a lot of memories with my sister and all of them holding a very special place in my life. One time, on a fine Sunday afternoon; we took sleeping bags and pillows, putting them on top of the steps and "bobsled" down the stairs along with my sister. Thank god nobody was hurt. Then I remember the time our parents weren't home. My sister and I got pizza and we were eating it at the kitchen table. We started a pizza fight and it got ALL over! Boy did we clean that up fast! And most of the times, when our parents caught us, my sis had to face the brunt of it all, being the elder one. There are just way too many other things I remember, but it wouldn’t be possible to list them all.

But all of it changed when she went off for college to an entirely different city. I missed her like hell and used to look forward to the summer months, when she would come back home. Over the years my sister has been my advisor, my friend and even a parent (when the situation called for). I know I can always count on her to point me in the right direction and even to give me a piece of her mind when I screw up. The bond between a brother and a sister is a special one. In spite of the childhood fights and arguments or the many trials of adulthood, the love and loyalty that we as siblings share survives.

The popular practice of Raksha Bandhan has its historical associations also. The Rajput queens practiced the custom of sending Rakhi threads to neighbouring rulers as token of brotherhood. The most important part of the ceremony involves the tying of a Rakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother's wrist. This thread symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's vow to protect his sister. The festival grew in popularity in the 15th Century, when When Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of the king of Chittor, realised that she could not defend her kingdom against the invasion by the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, she sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun. Touched by this gesture, the Emperor immediately set off with his troops to defend Chittor.

Sometimes one might feel that you and you sibling are two side of the same coin, but the bond between a brother and a sister doesn’t wane but only gets stronger with time. Our siblings share with us a lifetime worth of memories and stories, which certainly are priceless and become more valuable as time moves on.

Celebrate this Rakshabandhan with FlowerAura. We provides the best Online Rakhi Combos. Send these to your beloved Brother on Same Day through our Express Delivery. You can also combine these Rakhi Combos with the Add Ons like Kaju Katli, Cadbury celebrations or Dry Fruits. All this and more with Free shipping this Rakhi.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Parents - Our Real-Life Superheroes

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

You have seen me laugh
You have seen me cry
You were there when others made me shy
From my first walk to my decent talk
One thing that never changed
Was your endless love and support

"As time goes on, I realize, how much they mean to me," is how some old song goes. It is certainly true of the way I view my parents.

In the past few years, I have struggled to express my love and thanks to them. But today I want them to know what it means for me to be their son.

Throughout my life, I have never doubted your love. I have never doubted your support. And perhaps most importantly, I have never once doubted as if both my sister and me are the luckiest children in the world for having parents like you. I am so grateful to my parents because they were the kinds that never really let me do whatever I wanted, at the time I thought it was because they didn't want me to have a life. But my parents sacrificed so much to make sure I had everything I needed, and sometimes even what I wanted.

As I grew up and learnt about the ways of the world, I saw many of my friend’s experience their parents getting separated. I saw the strength of your love for each other. A love that could never be questioned. It is as evident and constant as the sun rising from the East every morning and setting into the West. Ever since I gained consciousness, I remember my Mom sitting on the sofa reading, and my Dad watching T.V. after a tiring day at office with his eyes closed. That stability never fails to make me smile and I remember the amazing times that I have spent with my parents.

I know my teenage years were incredibly difficult for you. But I always knew that you were there for me. I knew that no matter how bad it got, I could count on you for being there. Like all children, especially teenagers, I pushed you away at times. But what I knew then as much as I know now is that you would still be there for me, whenever I need you.

My parents were not perfect, as no human is, and they never professed to hold the title of perfection even once in their lives. They have flaws, as do I, but they taught me many things that helped me grow, and develop into the person I am today. I have much more to learn, as life always teaches, but the foundation of my true self was nurtured, and brought to life by my parents' love, patience, lessons, and sacrifices that were very much part of my upbringing.

They did not sugar coat life for me. They told me things won't always be easy, and fair, but, that comes with the whole package that life offers. I am tremendously grateful to my parents for teaching me that I have a voice, and not just a bunch of words. And with time I have certainly realized that Parents, are our real Superheroes.

Celebrate this special bond with FlowerAura, let your parents know how much you love and value them with our amazing gifting options, that we at FlowerAura promise to deliver at their doorstep. Also please check out the affordable gifting range, especially for your Parents, at FlowerAura.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Friendship Day Special

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

“A best friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.”

And the day arrives again! Friendship Day, celebrated every year on the first Sunday of August. As this day approaches, I take time off for a moment and think if i have been taking my best friends for granted. Well sure I moved away to a different city and I am trying to build up a life for myself but I think it’s time to rethink and realign my priorities.

How many close friends do you have? If you have even one you should consider yourself blessed. I happen to have 3 best friends, now am I lucky or what? I’d like to believe, I am. Blue-Exile as we named ourselves on the last day of high school. I still remember that day, where some of us shed a tear or two, the others made lifelong promises to be best friends forever.

I still remember the time, when my teacher made me sit next to the “noodle haired” guy in my class, I was so infuriated that I passed a sly comment, which was loud enough for him to hear, “Damn! I have to sit next to him for the rest of the year”. But little did I know that 7 years down the line, that very guy would be like family to me. You never know who you might find your best friend in.

Nostalgia takes over, when I take a walk down the memory lane. The stupid little crushes, first sip of alcohol, arm wrestling contests, witty yet stupid nicknames for each other, night outs, reckless humor, the never ending phone conversations after spending the entire day at school with my brothers from another mother… The list is endless but each of it has a very special memory attached to it. One of the most special memories that I have of my friends is when we had our first night out.

Becoming gate-crashers at a private party, we took a walk on the wild side that night. This included running for our lives from a watchman carrying a long stick, a semi-naked photo session in the middle of the road at 4 am in the morning, being chased by a vicious canine after we rang someone’s house bell and made a run for it, shouting, “Every man for himself!”. It was an epic night. I would give anything to relive all of it again.

Having friends is one of the things that we love about life. They are the extended members of our family. Although sometimes it looks weird and awkward friends make us laugh even on awful things. That’s the beauty of friendship. They do stupid things, make silly faces and say stupid things which brings smile on our faces. And I am proud to have friends like mine. Never once did they turn their backs on me when I needed them. We helped each other figure out the mysteries of life, being a pillar of support through our tough times, lying to get each other out of trouble, helping to woe the girl we “loved” and last but not the least, clean up after a messy break up. Not so long ago my friends came to drop me at the railway station as I was leaving town, all of us desperately wished that the train got delayed for at least a year, but that wasn’t the case. We said our goodbye’s and as the train was about to leave the station, I shed a tear, knowing that I was leaving behind a bucket full of memories and the people I loved the most in this world.

I can truly say that I value my friends because I lost them and then found them again. I was lucky. For most of us, however, there are times when a really great friend only stays in our lives for a short time. Most of the time, friends are not going to stay in your life forever, and even if they do, your relationship will probably change over the years. Having one true-blue best friend is great, and if it happens to you be thankful. Embrace each friendship, because there is no one-size that fits all, when it comes to our pals.

This is a dedication to my best friends and the members of our group “Blue-Exile”, found 7 years ago by a handful of students of the class of 2008 from an all boys school in Chandigarh. No matter where we are or how old we might get, I hope to find you guys standing in my corner, with a silly grin on your faces.

Celebrate this Friendship's Day with FlowerAura. Let your friends know just how much you appreciate them by sending them Flowers, gifts, chocolates on this Friendship Day. Order now at FlowerAura and get a Friendship Band free!

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Epiphany In The Rain

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

There is nothing quite that can beat the Monsoons. The darkening of the skies, the cool breeze, the smell of earth – and this entire feeling of the city being washed clean of all its sins. I have fallen in love with the monsoons; all of it: the storms, the lightning and thunders, the rains and the cool fresh air that follows the rain. Don’t ask me how, why or when it happened because I don’t know. I just knew that until now I had been pretty sure that I had been an urbanite I believed myself to be a person who hated the monsoons. They say you attract what you fear and as expected I found myself in the midst of this dreaded season.

It was a beautiful Sunday and I had planned a simple movie/lunch date with the girl of my dreams. But god had other plans for us. Within minutes after I picked her up, it started to rain. Never at a loss for ideas, my girl came up with the idea to spend the day at Sukhna Lake. Well, honestly it did seem a pretty weird idea to me at that time, and before I could register my protest at leaving behind the buffet at the amazing little Italian restaurant, I found myself being forcibly driven to the road, that led to the lake.

Upon reaching the lake, we got out of the car and noticed that the hot and humid July air was gone and a delicious, rain-cooled breeze blew, accompanied with gentle life giving rainfall. I glanced at my watch – 2pm; we made our way towards a small open air café on the lake. Coffee and conversation followed and somehow I found myself reluctant to leave. Yes, I was beginning to like the weather. This might sound straight out of a romantic Bollywood movie, but both of us had this sense that the day held the promise of something more that neither of us had imagined.

The day dissolved in frenzy – and all we could do was to capture a few photos to keep the memories of this fine day alive. Dusk had begun to fall and there was still no sign from the heavens that the rain would stop. We decided to go for a long walk alongside the lake in the pouring rain. A pretty filmy idea to say the least, that’s what I thought at that time, but today it seems one of the most romantic dates, I had ever been on.

The serene and re-generative beauty of the lake in the rains, the amazing flora and fauna, along with the endless path that ran alongside the lake, proved to be much better than the movie I had planned. That day, it was as if a cloud lifted from my heart. The words Lake and monsoon now spelt magic and romance to me. Let someone complain about their watery woes, traffic snarls or water logging and I'll remind them how beautifully the rains had lent a hand in turning my wonderful dream into reality. Ironically, it took a heavy downpour on a Sunday for me to see the bright side of the rains, but it was worth it in every sense. We drove back home later in the evening, carrying memories that would last a lifetime.

Celebrate all your special occasions with FlowerAura, as 'When words are not enough..' we are there to help you out. Let your dear ones know how much you love and value them with our amazing gifting options, which we promise to deliver at their doorsteps with utmost love and care.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Flowers and Women

This is a guest post.

My best friend was coming back in town and I had been eagerly waiting for this day due to all the wrong reasons. For those of you who don’t know what I mean, yes I had developed some really strong feelings for her ever since she left town. I wanted to do something special for her, which took me from the friend zone to the place where I could see a future alongside her. Finally after wracking my brains and a few silly suggestions from my best buds, I finally decided to go along with a bunch of flowers, which seemed to be the most appropriate thing for a person in my particular situation.

I was a man on a mission and decided to place an online order for a bouquet delivery to her place. Honestly I was a little worried about the time at which the flowers would get delivered, but to my surprise they were delivered right on time. I got a call from the lady of my dreams, the flowers had been delivered and I knew right away that my mission had been accomplished. She was elated to see them and that was clear to me by the tone of her voice.

Exactly a month later, I found myself at a fancy little restaurant in the company of my lady love, toasting to a wonderful future ahead for us. The flowers had worked. I considered myself a genius. I remember asking her what her reaction was when she received see the flowers and her words would always be etched in my memory.

“Although it was a bit weird to be receiving flowers, that too from you. But, I loved them. It was full of gratitude and I felt so loved. They made me feel so elated, cause no matter what; flowers always seem to be smiling. I won’t lie, but I placed them right opposite to my bed, so that their presence could brighten up the room and at the same time, remind me of that schoolboy who had turned into a real gentleman while I had been away.”

This actually came as a shock to me because I never knew that a bunch of flowers could mean so much to a women and I decided to unravel this mystery.

Generation after generation, women have always loved receiving the gift of flowers. Simply put, they are a symbol of life, beauty and thus, when received, women don't just feel vibrant and full of life, they feel beautiful and incredibly special. Showing her your love with a specially-prepared bouquet will only increase her affection for you, and make her feel like she's the most important person in your life. In turn, you will reap the benefits as it will be her pleasure to reciprocate the feelings you garnered her with.

The custom of giving flowers to a women can be traced back as far as the Victorian Era, where a romantic custom developed, behind the exchange of flowers. Everything had a meaning, right from the size and type of the flower to the way in which it was carried, depicted a man’s emotions and his innermost feelings.

Friends of mine who are of the opposite sex, often complain that the men in their lives were not romantic enough. It is a fact that men do have trouble expressing their feelings and often resort to cheesy Hallmark/Archies cards or pricey bejeweled items. But little do they know that there is a better way to a woman’s heart and it does not even involve spending a fortune or even opening your mouth. It worked for me and I can assure you, it’ll work for you too.

Reconstructing this ancient gesture will not only help you infuse your relationship with life and romance but also bring back some of the spontaneity, mystery and fun.

So instead of grabbing a bouquet down at a local flower vendor, try Floweaura, where there are flowers, gifts for every occasion and a wide-variety to choose from. At FlowerAura we don't just deliver mere flowers and gifts rather we the convey your emotions, love and feelings at the doorstep of your dear ones.

The Author is an old and loyal FlowerAura Customer who wishes to remain Anonymous.

Flowers and Indian Mythology

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

When I was a little kid, I remember every evening accompanying my grandmother for her trip to the temple, carrying a small pooja thali, decorated with a diya, various colored flowers and some sweet to serve as Prasad at the end of her pooja, the Prasad being the only reason that I accompanied her. We had a small mandir in our house, which consisted of various portraits of gods and goddesses, all of which were decorated with garlands, made out of flowers. One particular portrait that always caught my attention was that of a lady, sitting on a lotus flower, which I was able to recognize, was a lotus (as I had learned in kindergarten about India’s national flower).

“Little flower – but if I could understand what you are, root and all, and all in all, I should know what God and man is.”
-Alfred Lord Tennyson

One of the rituals that I recall that my grandmother used to carry out each evening, consisted of gathering flowers from our garden and later offering them to the idols of various gods and goddesses in the temple. As I grew up, I learned more about the ritual and realized its true significance.

Throughout history, flowers have been associated with the creator, religion, worship and with countless myths and legends across various civilizations that existed globally. Flowers have however remained an integral part of Indian culture. Lotus is the national flower of India and hence, there is a lot of mythological significance of flowers with Gods and Goddesses in our culture, than in any other in the world.

The very name of the Indian worship ritual called Pooja can be roughly translated as the Ritual of flowers. In India, flowers are considered to be made up of the 5 different elements of nature, namely, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. They play a very crucial role in celebrations, festivities and prayers, and as a result of their unique and valuable role, there are certain un-explainable, subtle and cryptic qualities of a flower. It is believed that a flower has Soul like every human being and it is because of this very reason that flowers hold an important position in our culture. Although many kinds of flower names are mentioned in our scriptures but some of the most significant ones are the Lotus flowers, Manjaree or tulsi flowers (associated with Lord Vishnu), Dhatoora flowers (associated with Lord Shiva), Red Hibiscus (associated with Lord Ganesha).

Out of all the traditions followed in India, Indians are famous for welcoming their guests, with flower garlands. This simply signifies the respect for our guests and helps in building the core of the moral value, Atithi Devo Bhava. Apart from flowers being offered to the Gods and Goddesses in our culture, in Indian marriages an exchange of flower garlands takes place between the bride and the groom, which depicts respect and affection towards each other.

Flowers hold a vital place in every culture, the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Buddhists etc, since ancient times have made flowers and integral part of their respective cultures.

Celebrate all your special occasions with FlowerAura, let your dear ones know how much you love and value them with our amazing gifting options. We promise to deliver to their doorsteps with utmost love and care.

Please also checkout our Special Gifting Range which we are sure will interest you.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Orchids

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

It was Friday evening and I couldn’t be more thankful to god that the week had finally ended. But there was someone very disappointed with me, my lady love. Due to the busy week that had just ended, I wasn’t able to spend quality time with my girl at all. I knew she was furious. So, in order to tame the raging dragon, I ordered a bunch of pink orchids to be delivered at her place through Floweraura. When I reached her place, the cold northern winds had turned into a gentle life giving breeze. Thanks to the great variety and super-fast delivery by Floweraura.

The pink flowers worked their magic, my tigress had calmed down. Could a bunch of flowers really make such a difference, I wondered. And so, I decided to learn more about Orchids.

Orchids are very elegant flowers, hence making them a perfect gift for any occasion. There are 25000 types of orchids and many new varieties are still being discovered each year. Orchids signify purity. One can send white/pink orchids to say, "I am thinking of you..." or "I care about you...”. The meaning of the word orchid, when roughly translated means “delicate beauty”. Orchids are a beautiful way of expressing your feelings of respect, love and adoration.

An orchid although thought of as a tropical, exotic flower, is grown in almost all types of climate. They are soothing to the eyes of the everyday flower lover and also considered to be one of the most evolved flowers to the specialists. Out of the many varieties of orchids, some of the most popular ones include the Phalaenopsis (or Moth), Cymbidium, Dendrobium orchids and the Vanilla orchid.

Since ancient times, Orchids have been believed to posses various healing and protective qualities, allowing them to fight diseases. The Aztecs were said to drink a mixture of the vanilla orchid and chocolate to give them power and strength, and the Chinese believe orchids can help cure lung illnesses and coughs.

Orchid holds a special place as one of the most alluring and captivating flowers, making them a perfect choice for the loved ones in your life. They are the ideal choice for a gift to your lover as they signify purity, beauty, luxury and strength.

Need to make it up to a loved one? What better way to express your love through a bunch of flowers delivered right at their doorstep. Check out the amazing deals at Floweraura.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Father's Day

Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide to recognize the contribution that fathers and father-like figures make to the lives of their children. This day celebrates fatherhood and male parenting. Although it is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide, many countries observe this day on the third Sunday in June.

A father is a daughter's first love, a son's first hero. He's always an inspiration and a strong pillar of support for the family. He's the bread-winner for the family, who other than work manages to spend quality time with his family and children. A father certainly is a real-life superhero.

For all that he has done and still does, this is the least we can do for our Father. Dedicate this day specially and exclusively to him. Make special arrangements for him, go out the way and spend some quality time for your dearest daddy. You can take the easier way out by ordering Flowers, Cakes from FlowerAura and let us take all the pains to ensure your dad's happiness is not compromised this Father's Day.

Bring a smile on your dad's face this Father's Day with FlowerAura. Let your daddy know how much you love and value his presence with our wonderful collection of gifting options, that we promise to deliver with utmost love and care to his doorstep.
Please also checkout our Father's Day Special gifting range which we are sure will interest you.

A Lifetime of Fragrant Happiness

It is a proven fact that all across the globe flowers are the best and among the easiest gifting option that you can send to your dear ones.

We at FlowerAura act as your loyal messengers to deliver the Flowers and Gifts of your choice promptly and with utmost care to your loved ones.

We specialize in all type of Flower Arrangements, scrumptious Cakes from quality bakeries and exquisite collection of Gifts like Teddy bears, chocolates, dry fruits, fresh fruits etc.

The difference between FlowerAura and other options readily available on the internet is that we care for each and every customer and each order as if it was our own. We take pains to ensure that your happiness isn't compromised.

Other than that we let our work speak for ourselves. We'd rather under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around.

Have a look, our uber-cool Video Promo :)

Language Of Flowers

More often than not, words are not quite enough to express our feelings, to communicate. There are ways to link our thought process with someone else other than words though. Since the Victorian era, the language of flowers has been used to convey messages too complex to be spoken. Today, most implications of flowers are forgotten by the majority, but some are still accepted. Red roses, for instance, still signify passionate and romantic love. Forget-me-nots quite obviously mean remembrance, not unlike rosemary.

The meaning of a flower can vary greatly by just colour. A pink carnation can signify a mother's love, it can mean "I'll never forget you", or "Always on my mind". Whereas yellow and striped ones imply refusal and rejection. A white lily is a symbol of purity, but an orange lily symbolizes hatred.

Flowers are a fairly effective method to communicate tricky subjects. Have no idea as to how to talk to your first love? A violet or red rose, a purple lilac, or a red tulip would be your best bet to take a starting step to a romance. A subtle way of refusal without a hard blow is to send the person a striped carnation. Cypress is probably the most appropriate flower to bring to a funeral.

A red carnation implies affirmation or simply “yes”. If you want to say “You are lovely” or “Good Luck” to anyone, gardenia is your flower. A white clover is a symbol for a promise. The lettuce we are all familiar with is actually a symbol of cold-heartedness. A daffodil can mean chivalry, respect, or uncertainty. Rue, or herb of grace, can imply Regret, Sorrow, or Repentance. An almond flower symbolizes hope.

Even though this art, also called Floriography, not very well known at this point, some florists still practice this language.  The language of flowers can tell tremendous stories and teach lessons for life.

To find out more about what flowers say, login to www.floweraura.com. Or if you are looking for florist in pune, we can help you with Floriography if you are looking to send flowers to Chandigarh. 

Lily

Gracious as sunshine, sweet as dew Shut in a lily's golden core.
Lilies are special kind of beautiful flowers, whose botanical name is "Lilium". They stand for Beauty, Purity, Sweetness and Majesty. Lilies are among the most sort-after flowers which are grown and loved world-wide.

Lilies are grown from plump, scaly bulbs. They are magnificent flowers that command attention wherever they are planted. Their flowers are valued for their very beautiful fragrances. The 6 plain or strikingly marked petals are often trumpet-shaped.

Lilies are very popularly used all over as an effective gifting option. These flowers can be arranged in gorgeous arrangements all by themselves or can even be clubbed together with other complimenting flowers and fillers.

Lily Flowers can be a perfect gift to a mother as it stands for purity, to show your mother how much you adore her and what she means to you. Lilies also tend to be a fantastic option, to gift to your lover as they stand for beauty and sweetness quite just like your loved one.






Different kinds of Lily flowers:

Asiatic Lily - The Asiatic hybrid Lilies are among the earliest easy, bright, colorful and glistening flowers. They have the broadest color range of any group of lilies, and they also include most of the unscented lilies.

Oriental Lily - The Oriental lilies prefer acid soil and temperate, moist summers. Provide these by shade, mulching, or container culture if necessary. Their enormous flowers, heavenly fragrance, and late summer bloom time are worth the extra efforts.

So don't waste any more time and express your love, care for your Mother and other loved ones today. Check out FlowerAura's amazing offers, and get ready to surprise your near and dear ones with this lovely epitome of purity - Lily.