After experimenting with various flowers, he found oleander flowers ideal for the folding technique and used chamba fibre, abundant in local ponds, to tie them. He crafted multi-row garlands, joining them with coconut sticks, creating a signature mat-shaped garland, initially in white, later adding red and green using oleander and nochi leaves. For over five generations, his family has continued the tradition. Today, Vanitha, who learned the craft at 12 from her father, carries forward this legacy with remarkable skill and dedication.
The significance of the Thovalai Maanikka Maalai reached global attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced it as a symbol of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Mamallapuram. Vanitha herself demonstrated the art of making this garland before the dignitaries.
Vanitha believes this craft deserves greater recognition. “Just like sculpture or painting, this flower art should be taught in government art colleges,” she says. Her efforts to teach this art are purely driven by passion, as she does not charge any fees from learners. Many women like K Thanam, 38, and K Panimalar from Thovalai have been learning from her. “Vanitha teaches us wholeheartedly, ensuring this beautiful tradition doesn’t die,” says Thanam.
The influence of Vanitha and her family extends to nearby villages as well. Farmers like N Rakkisamuthu from Chenbagaramanputhur praise Sutalaiyanti for teaching the garland-making craft to young people, helping them earn a living while preserving a unique cultural identity.
(Edited by Subhalakshmi PR)