Pushpanjali - IMPRESSIONS
The members of the Crafts Council of Tamilnadu organised a display of extraordinary talent the State's pookararkal (florists) at Velumani Ammal Hall, Coimbatore on the 29th and 30th of September 2005.
They had worked tirelessly for days to put together PUSHPANJALI a unique display of exquiste floral offerings, stunning garlands, magnificient bouquets and exotic floral carpets. Traditional and contemporary designs were interwoven to create a breath taking experience. The hall was filled with a delicate and mysterious fragrance of floral delights. The members of the CCTN has painstakingly planned and organised this event to perfection. It is quite hard to find the appropriate words to describe this unique experience. Each and every piece was hand crafted to perfection. In fact many of the delicate floral arrangements wer so perfect that they looked pieces of machine work.
The use of "pakku maram" and banana stem was quite novel. Jasmine, Rose, Orchids, Lilies, Carnations, Bird of Paradise, Vettalai leaves and Chrysanthemums were used in abundance. Each and every display was impressive in its own way. We were particularly amazed by the decorated oonjal (traditional south indian swing); the only thing missing was the bride and groom! Chola period idols and bronze statues were adorned with delicate garlands, and antique cradle was the centre of attraction, the outstanding decoration complemented the workmanship of the cradle perefectly.
All the elaborate displays were made by pookararkal (florist) from Coimbatore and other places in Tamil Nadu, who had mastered this fine technique. The exihibits combined various styles of flower decoration, Indian, Thai, Hawiian, etc.
The mixing of various styles had brought out something unique in the pieces of floral offerings that were made. We will never be able to erase the memory of this event and the fact that the local pookararal have been empowered through this event makes it all more worthy of recognition. Opportunities have been created to take this skill to new heights.
Nothing could have prepared us for what we were about to witness on our arrival. We entered the very spacious hall where the floral displays were getting their final touches. In a nearby huge verandah were baskets and baskets of every imaginable flower in every possible colour being transformed into delightful creations. Working their magic at incredible speed and precision, it was almost as if they had batteries attached to their fingers! They wove their fingers through the dried banana fibre and flowers with skill and effortless ease.
Within an hour the hall was packed with elegantly dressed guest who had taken time out to witness the much talked about event PUSHPANJALI. The guest were treated to an extraordinary display of floral arrangements.
We left reluctantly to catch our flights but our hearts were truly left behind a feast for the eyes, a treat for the soul. The floral exhibits were as lovely and graceful as the ladies of Coimbatore who so dedicatedly put together their display.
On concluding we would like to place on record our admiration and appreciation to the members of the Craft Council of Tamilnadu, Coimbatore and wish them success in all their ventures.
- Mrs. Usha Krishnan & Mrs. Uma Kannan, Crafts Council of India
