Varanasi's temples and ghats receive flower offerings all day, and the used flowers are often dumped or put into the Ganga. Drying and grinding them into incense cones, sticks and herbal Holi colours turns this waste into products pilgrims already buy.
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This unit collects used flowers from temples, then sorts, dries and grinds them. The powder is mixed with natural binders to make incense cones and sticks. Marigold and rose petals can also become herbal gulal, the dry colour used at Holi.
Varanasi is one of India's biggest pilgrimage cities. The Kashi Vishwanath temple, the ghats and many smaller shrines receive garlands and flower offerings every day, and the used flowers are often dumped or put into the Ganga. NABARD's 2023-24 credit plan for Varanasi notes flower growing in the district alongside fruit and vegetables, so fresh petals can top up temple supply. Holi in Varanasi draws big crowds, a ready market for the colours.
You need a collection deal with temple committees, a covered drying area, a flower dryer, a grinder, mixers and an incense-making machine. The hard part is steady, clean supply. Flowers arrive wet and mixed with plastic, thread and food. Some large temples already have tie-ups for their used flowers. Start with smaller temples, wedding halls and hotels. Cheap incense is everywhere, so quality must justify your price. Gulal sells mainly at Holi and must be tested to be safe on skin.
Sell to puja-goods shops near the ghats, gift shops, hotels and online buyers who want offerings made from Kashi's temple flowers.
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