Guide To Mullick Ghat Flower Market In Kolkata, India's Largest Flower Market

When you find yourself in Kolkata, visit the bustling Mullick Ghat flower market, a vibrant hub that has thrived for over 130 years along the banks of the river. This market is not only one of the largest flower markets in Asia, but also a paradise for photography enthusiasts, offering a kaleidoscope of colours that define its lively atmosphere.

The scent of fresh blossoms fills the air, captivating visitors as they navigate through a sea of floral arrangements—all framed by the iconic silhouette of the Howrah Bridge in the background, providing a breathtaking backdrop for stunning photographs. In Kolkata, nearly every event—from religious occasions to birthdays, funerals, or weddings is infused with vibrant colours and fragrant blooms sourced from Mullick Ghat, nestled along the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata.

Frozen In Frames

A quick search online will showcase beautiful snapshots captured by talented photographers, including the renowned Swiss artist Sylvain Savolein, who skillfully immortalises the market's charm. The Mullick Ghat flower market has been used as a filming location for several Bollywood and Bengali films, including "Devdas," "Yuva," "Love Aaj Kal," "Lootera," "Piku," and more.

History of Mullick Ghat Flower Market

The flower market along the ghat has been an essential and vibrant hub of Kolkata since 1855. This bustling marketplace is the sole destination where a dazzling variety of flowers are available daily. Open around the clock, it’s a sensory feast for visitors.

As one of the largest flower markets in India, it showcases a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colours and a symphony of sounds that bring the market to life. With the break of dawn, thousands of wholesalers and customers come in to bargain over the vibrant, freshly cut blooms carefully transported in large baskets from fertile farmlands far and wide. Each corner of the market bursts with the beauty of nature, drawing in locals and tourists alike to revel in the rich tapestry of life it offers.

Mullick Family

Mullick Ghat was originally named Nimai Mullick Ghat, a title that honours its founder's father. Constructed in 1855 by Rammohan Mullick, this ghat serves as a tribute to Nimai Charan Mullick, reflecting the deep familial connections that historically influenced the region.

Historical accounts reveal that Mullick Ghat was built on the site of the earlier Noyaner Ghat, which had been established in 1793 by one of the family’s forebears, Noyanchand Mullick. Years later, during the period between 1870 and 1874, another pivotal member of the Mullick family, Jadunath Mullick, undertook significant renovations of Mullick Ghat, enhancing its structure and functionality. This era was particularly noteworthy, as it coincided with the construction of a pontoon bridge across the river just south of the current site of Mullick Ghat, connecting communities and facilitating transportation.

Mullick Ghat has historically held great importance, serving as crucial departure points for steamships that ferried pilgrims travelling to the sacred city of Puri in Odisha. These transportation hubs not only played a vital role in pilgrimage logistics but also contributed to the cultural and economic exchanges between the regions, making them landmarks of historical significance in the area.

The Information | Mullick Ghat Flower Market

Best Time to Visit: The Mullick Ghat flower market buzzes with activity around the clock, maintaining its vibrant energy well into the night. However, the best time to experience this lively market is in the early morning hours, just before dawn. This is when shipments of fresh flowers begin to arrive, filling the air with delightful fragrances and a riot of colours. Visitors can witness the market come alive as local florists prepare for the day.

Places to See: Additionally, just adjacent to the flower market lies Jagannath Ghat, an architectural gem adorned with European influences, inviting all who wander through to marvel at its ornate design.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the primary airport in Kolkata, where Mullick Ghat is located.

• By Rail: Take a train to Howrah if you are coming from suburbs. Cross the Howrah Bridge, and take a flight of stairs to the flower market.

• By Road: Take Bankim Setu, Grand Trunk Road, HM Basu Road and New Howrah Bridge Approach Road to Indra Kumar Karnani Street in Bortola, Kolkata. Continue on Indra Kumar Karnani Street to B.B.D. Bagh. Take Strand Road to Strand Bank Road. Turn left onto Strand Bank Road

Address: Strand Bank Rd, Fairley Place, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001