Bloom time

Editor's note: In this weekly feature China Daily gives voice to Asia and its people. The stories presented come mainly from the Asia News Network (ANN), of which China Daily is among its 20 leading titles.

As February unfolds, Bangladeshi capital Dhaka's flower markets blossom with life, celebrating three significant occasions: Pahela Falgun, the Bengali spring festival on Feb 14; Valentine's Day on Feb 14; and Ekushey February, observed as International Mother Language Day, on Feb 21.

Even before dawn, the air is filled with the scent of fresh blooms and a sense of excitement. From the shops at Shahbagh, a central neighborhood near Dhaka University, to the bustling stalls of Agargaon, an area adjacent to government offices and diplomatic zones in the city's northwest, these hubs of the city's floral trade offer everything from classic roses to exotic chrysanthemums.

By 3 am, the once-quiet spaces transform into vibrant scenes of activity. Whether for arrangements, celebrations, rituals, or simply to brighten someone's day, these early morning markets ensure that Dhaka awakens in a burst of rich, vivid colors.

"Roses, gladiolus, gerbera, chrysanthemum, calendula, tuberose, marigold, China rose and gypsy flowers are the most common. Marigolds and tuberoses are the most sold items all year round, but when it's Valentine's Day or Falgun — the days we wait for all year — nothing tops roses. Those days are the best days for our business," a shopkeeper says.

At the Shahbagh flower market, the streets turn into a red field as the temporary shops on the streets overflow with roses, looking like a red carpet welcoming the morning. As you step inside the market, the vibrant yellow marigolds instantly capture your attention. The sweet smell of tuberoses fills the air, mixing with the fresh scent of countless other flowers. You will find gerberas in vivid orange, red, pink, and white next to calendulas and chrysanthemums. Every corner looks like a garden in full bloom.

Mayer Doa Pushpalay, a shop in the market, stands out with its unique little flowers — button poms — wrapped in paper. Md Parvez Akbar from the shop says, "Button poms are not always in high demand, but when it comes to elegant decorations, they're much sought after. High-starred hotels often request them."

The shop displays button poms in different colors, including green, along with a variety of chrysanthemums, or as the locals call it "mums", making it a vibrant spot in the market. "These flowers were originally imported, but now we grow them right here in the country," Akbar says.