About Us
Two Moms, One Mission: Keeping Traditions Alive
At Marigold & Ash, we’re reimagining the way modern families celebrate South Asian traditions — with intention, ease, and beauty.
We’re just two moms on a mission to keep our families connected to our rich cultural roots. Adithi lives in Canada with her husband and two boys, while Shivani resides in Southern California with her husband, daughter, and mom.
Both of us are deeply rooted in our traditions, but as our children grew, we realized how overwhelming it was to teach them about our culture and religion in a way they could truly understand and appreciate. We struggled to find simple, meaningful ways to pass down the essence of who we are—our values, our rituals, and our stories.
That’s how Marigold and Ash came to life: born from our desire to make it easier for families like ours to share the beauty of our culture with the next generation. Through thoughtful products and resources, we aim to blend tradition with simplicity, making it accessible, joyful, and timeless.
Meet Our Co-Founders
Adithi Menon
Shivani Patel
Shivani Patel
Adithi Menon is a seasoned professional passionate about fostering positive change and impactful collaborations. Her extensive background encompasses grants and people management, communications, and business development.
The inspiration for Marigold & Ash stemmed from Adithi’s personal experience of the challenges North American families face in celebrating traditional Hindu pujas. Recognizing the need for a simplified approach, Adithi envisioned and proposed a one-stop solution to her friend and co-founder, Shivani Patel, who joined to bring this vision to life. This collaboration led to the creation of Marigold & Ash, a service dedicated to connecting busy families with their cultural heritage.
When she’s not curating new Marigold & Ash offerings, she enjoys exploring diverse cuisines, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two sons.
Shivani Patel
Shivani Patel
Shivani Patel
Shivani Patel is a storyteller at heart. With over a decade of experience as a Creative Director and Graphic Designer, she’s used the power of design to spark connection, celebrate culture, and bring meaningful ideas to life. Her work has spanned global brands and mission-driven nonprofits—but her most personal project yet is Marigold & Ash.
As a mom raising a daughter in the U.S., Shivani often found herself wanting to pass on traditions, but unsure how to begin. So when her friend Adithi came to her with the idea for a beautifully curated puja box, it struck a deep chord. Together, they created Marigold & Ash—a labor of love to help families like theirs celebrate rituals with ease, beauty, and intention.
At home, Shivani finds inspiration in the everyday—cooking with her family, dancing to ’90s hip-hop and Bollywood playlists, and planning her next adventure. Her two beloved dogs are always nearby, part of the joyful chaos that fuels her creativity and keeps her grounded.
The Significance of Marigold & Ash
At Marigold & Ash, we blend the timeless symbolism of two powerful elements—marigold and ash—to create a meaningful connection between tradition, spirituality, and modern life.
Marigold is a sacred flower deeply embedded in Hindu culture, representing joy, positivity, and divine blessings. Known for its vibrant orange and yellow hues, it embodies the warmth of devotion and the purity of offerings in religious rituals. The marigold reminds us of the beauty of honoring our heritage, and it evokes a deep sense of connection to our cultural roots. It is a symbol of the vibrant energy and celebration of life that prayer and rituals bring into our lives.
Ash, on the other hand, represents transformation, renewal, and the eternal cycle of life. In Hindu rituals, ash is seen as a sacred remnant, reminding us of the impermanence of life and the continual process of spiritual growth. It evokes the power of cleansing, purifying, and letting go of what no longer serves us. Ash is a symbol of faith and devotion, deeply tied to the act of ritual and prayer—a reminder that with every ending, there is a new beginning.
Guided by Tradition, Rooted In Authenticity
To ensure each Marigold & Ash puja box is rooted in authenticity, we are honored to collaborate with Pundit Shukavak Dasa, a respected Hindu priest and scholar with decades of experience in Vedic rituals and dharma traditions.
His deep knowledge and thoughtful guidance shape every detail of our offerings—from the meaningful selection of items to the creation of our step-by-step prayer guides. With his support, we’re able to honor sacred traditions while making them accessible and approachable for today’s families.
Through this partnership, we hope to carry forward the integrity and beauty of our culture in a way that feels both timeless and relevant.