16/10/2026
You have most likely seen this red double hibiscus flower growing across the Caribbean and in West Indian diasporic communities. But did you know this “phool” (flower) has great cultural and religious significance to Indians, both in South Asia as well as post-indentureship countries. Over in the subcontinent, the Hindi term for this double layered “laal phool” (red flower) is “gudhal” (guu-dhul). But the Caribbean Hindustani or Bhojpuri name said within Trinidad, Suriname, Jamaica, and Guyana is “arahul” (uh-ruh-hool), “arahur” (uh-ruh-hoor), or “arahu” (uh-ruh-hoo); particularly among the Hindu population. They are highly auspicious and play a central role in Kali Mai Puja and Durga Maa Puja; believed to be favoured amongst the mother goddesses. The red is said to match Durga Maa’s sari (saa-ree) and Kali Mai’s extended tongue. Offerings for Nauraatam, Nauraat, Navraatri, and Navraatam are typically considered incomplete without the “arahul”. When Hindus go to “charhaaway dhaar” or offer a mixture that is made up of several (nine usually) different ingredients; the “phool” can be found floating at the mouth of the “lota” or brass pot containing the liquid “dhaar”. The “arahul/arahur/arahu” is noted for its ability to “phoolay” or blossom even after being plucked in a half bud state. This association of the arahur phool with Devi Maa, the mother goddess, is also prominent in Bengal. Traditional Bengali artwork will frequently display the “arahul” in the form of a “mala” (maa-laa) or garland around the goddess’s neck or a single “phool” (flower) being held in one of her four hands. Did you know about the meaning of the arahul, arahur, and arahu? Which one of the Hindustani names above are you the most familiar with? Do you grow this laal phool yourself?
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