Hindi poets and lyricists, and Urdu shayars have also written many pieces on flowers -- sometimes comparing the glowing dimpled cheeks of the beloved with rose petals or her eyes with that of the lotus.

In English Literature flowers like Daffodils, Lilies, Roses, Violets, Carnations, Tulips and Daisies find a special mention in the works of poets including William Wordsworth, Alfred Tennyson and R W Emerson.

In Hindi literature, most widely referred flowers are gulab, kamal, champa, ketki, palash, rajnighandha, kumud, parijat, amaltash, malati, kanak champa, genda, raat ki raani and juhi; some trees like ashok and kadamb are mentioned in epics 
Ramayana and Mahabharatha.

In prose and poetry similes and metaphors were being used to draw comparisons with flowers. Idioms, phrases and proverbs on flowers can also be found in literature.

When our literature if full of references to beautiful and fragrant flowers, film songs wouldn’t be an exception. Lyricists have penned beautiful poetry on flowers. Hindi film songs that immediately come to my mind are ‘Baharon Phool Barsao’ from Suraj and ‘Phir Chidi Raat Baat Phoolon Ki’ from Bazaar. Don’t we all remember the scenes from olden movies where the directors made the flowers dance and kiss on the screen instead of the lovers?   Though this is the age of rain dances, lovers still prefer to say it with flowers on occasions like Valentine’s Day. ;)

This blog series titled ‘Flowers Of Shiraz’ would cover a variety of flowers, especially referring to their mention in Hindi literature. First in the series would be ‘Rajnigandha’ or Tuberose.

Namita Sachan had given shape to my idea and here we are, announcing this blog series. She has agreed to write most of the blogs for this series. She insisted that I should post the introductory blog. I would try to assist her, as and when possible. There are some technical issues in this blogspace and at times, I am not able to post blogs, comments, images and videos.

Bloggers are welcome to mention references to varied flowers in literature (any Indian language). You are also welcome to share your favourite song on the same theme. We look forward to your valuable inputs to help us compile references to flowers in literature.

Little flower, but if I could understand, what you are, root
and all in all, I should know what God and man is.
- Tennyson

And 't is my faith, that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.
- William Wordsworth

Click here to read the complete translation of ‘The Yearning Of A Flower’

Translation Courtesy: Riverine
Pictures Courtesy: Websites
Video Courtesy: YouTube

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 [P.S. Shiraz is an ancient city located in southwest Iran. It is Persian cultural capital. Shiraz is also known as the 'City of Roses'  and  'City of Gardens'. Shiraz, I am told by a friend, is also popular for its wine. My friend 'A' suggested the title. Till we come back, take a look at the flowers around you, smell the fragrant ones and enjoy!]