Tagetes Erecta (Mexican Marigold) : Mudda Banthi Puvvu (ముద్ద బంతి పువ్వు): Uses, Benefits & Cultural Significance

When you think of Indian festivals, weddings, and village rituals, one flower that instantly comes to mind is the vibrant Banthi Puvvu – the Marigold. Known scientifically as Tagetes erecta, this golden bloom is more than just a decorative flower. It’s a symbol of devotion, tradition, and natural beauty.

🌼 What Is Tagetes Erecta?

Tagetes erecta, also called Mexican Marigold or African Marigold, is a tall, upright flowering plant known for its large, round, fluffy blossoms in shades of bright yellow, golden orange, and sometimes creamy white.

In South India, especially in Telugu-speaking regions, it is affectionately called ముద్ద బంతి పువ్వు (Mudda Banthi Puvvu) – a flower that holds both cultural and emotional significance.

🌱 Botanical Details

• Family: Asteraceae

• Native to: Mexico and Central America

• Height: 2 to 3 feet (can grow taller)

• Flower Colors: Deep yellow, orange, golden

• Blooming Season: Mostly from late summer to winter (peak in monsoon & festival months)

• Lifespan: Annual (completes life cycle in one season)

🎉 Cultural & Religious Significance

In India, marigolds are used in:

• Puja and temple offerings

• Garlands for deities and guests

• Rangoli decorations and torans during Diwali, Dasara, and Sankranti

• Weddings for decor and rituals

The bright yellow and orange colors are considered auspicious, symbolizing purity, positivity, and energy. In rural villages, Banthi puvvulu are strung together into thick garlands and offered with deep devotion to gods and goddesses like Durga, Lakshmi, and Ganesha.

🌿 Medicinal and Natural Uses

Tagetes erecta isn’t just ornamental—it has many practical uses:

• Insect repellent: Its strong scent repels mosquitoes and garden pests.

• Medicinal: Traditionally used in Ayurveda for treating wounds, ulcers, and eye infections.

• Dye: The petals are used to make natural yellow dye.

• Skincare: The extract is sometimes used in herbal creams for its anti-inflammatory properties.

🏡 Growing Your Own Mexican Marigold

Whether you’re a home gardener or a lover of village life, growing marigolds is incredibly satisfying. Here's how:

• Sunlight : Needs full sun for at least 6 hours a day

• Soil : Well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost

• Watering : Moderate; keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging

• Spacing : Plant at least 12-18 inches apart

• Deadheading : Remove wilted flowers to promote new blooming

• Pests : Naturally repels pests; however, watch for aphids or mildew

📸 A Photographer's & Devotee’s Favorite

The round, fluffy heads of marigolds make them a favorite for photography—especially during sunrise or golden hour when their colors glow naturally.

They are also a go-to flower for people who create devotional content, festival reels, or nature blogs that focus on temples, village traditions, and Indian culture.

The Mudda Banthi Puvvu (Tagetes erecta) is a perfect blend of beauty, tradition, and simplicity. Whether it’s in your grandmother’s backyard, a bustling temple, or a street decorated for Diwali, this marigold flower brings joy wherever it blooms.

Let us continue cherishing such flowers that not only decorate our homes but also connect us deeply to our roots, culture, and festivals.

Have you decorated your home or made garlands using Banthi Puvvu? Share your stories or photos in the comments – let’s celebrate this humble yet powerful flower together!