Performing puja (worship) is a big part of people's lives in Mumbai, and in fact everywhere in India.
Many Hindus get up at sunrise and do the Surya Puja. This very popular daily puja worships Lord Surya, the Sun God (also known as the god of the enlightened mind). An important part of the ritual is the offering of flowers to the god.
All around the city, you'll find small stalls selling flowers and garlands for puja. In addition, Mumbai has huge flower markets, such as phul galli (flower lane) outside Dadar railway station in central Mumbai. This area is awash with the eye catching color of flowers, which surround the rows of flowers sellers on the pavement. It's a really pretty sight.In the evenings as the sun sets, Hindus also commonly do another form of puja -- Lakshmi Puja. This puja invites Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity) to enter the house. As the lights are turned on inside homes, incense is lit to welcome her.
