Madurai is known for its flowers, and our visit to the flower market early in the morning was amazing. A full city block was lined on both sides with vendors selling blossoms from bags on the floor. There were millions of marigolds, gardenias, jasmine flowers, roses and tons of other stuff. These are not cut flowers as we know them, but just the flowers themselves, which are purchased to make necklaces (which I call leis), and also flower bowls (see a future posting about flower bowls). The scene was hectic, with motorcycles zooming off with huge bales of flowers tied on their backs. The flowers are brought in from surrounding flower farms each day.
Most interesting is that the men string the flowers (see photo above) When we asked what the strung flower necklaces are used for - and some of them are six feel long! - we were told they are used at weddings, funerals, and for politicians and statues. Then we recalled seeing the statues with flower necklaces. 
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