Flowers are considered symbolic of life and happiness and are therefore an important aspect of any worship (see Puja). Each deity is believed to have a favorite flower, which, if offered in worship, adds merit to the prayer. Usually, fragrant soft-petalled flowers are offered in worship. Red flowers are usually offered to female deities.

Traditionally, showering honored people with flower petals was an accepted form of demonstrating respect. Kings, heroes and sages were honored in this manner. Even today, a traditional welcome or farewell is incomplete without flowers.

This practice is also evident in the course of the wedding ceremony (see Vivaha). Showering petals is also a form of blessing, as at the end of the ceremony, when all those present shower the Flowers bride and groom with petals. In the southern part of India, an important part of a woman's toilette is flowers in her hair.