Flower decorations - Chantal Jumel

Blumenhaus Magazine

Flowers and leaf garlands, petals of various hues, shrubs, and roots find their way every morning into open air markets within close proximity to the temples. Regardless of whether it is their ephemeral beauty or the symbolism that Indian flowers convey, I wanted to write about them.

Inspiring artists

Onam with Jaya Mohan

Pookalam or floral carpets are an integral part of the celebrations to welcome the return of the legendary king. This year, Jaya Mohan shares with us her poetical flower carpets done at home.

Kolam/Tamil Nadu

Kolam, variations around flowers

Real or imaginary flowers abound in kolam.They are drawn in an infinite variety of ways, offering to explore either the symbolic aspect of the plant or the abstract potential of the form.

Flower decorations

Kolam and vegetal offerings

Beside kolam drawn with powders, lentils and coloured rice grains, fruits, vegetables, flowers and leaves come together to create ephemeral votive decorations.

Nayanmar/Tamil saint-poets

Flowers to celebrate women and deities

In India, flowers and leaves are essential elements of worship ceremonies and rituals.Tamil-Nadu reveals its secular and religious activities through a cortege of scents that fluctuates during the day.

Onam/Kerala harvest festival

Onam, saying it with flowers, part 2

The traditional ritual of laying pookkalam (floral carpet) or Onapookkalam starts on Atham constellation and ends on Thiruvonam constellation. The ten days are known as Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam and Thiruvonam.

Onam/Kerala harvest festival

Onam, saying it with flowers, part 1

Pookalam or floral carpets are an integral part of Onam celebrations to welcome the return of Mahabali, the legendary king.