The Orientation Session of the 8th batch of Mala Grathana (Garland Making) was inaugurated on 16th March 2024, by Resource Persons, volunteers, and students in presence of Swami Raghunayakananda ji, who spoke about the connection between flowers and the divine, as well as the calming and meditative effect this ancient art has on the mind. This relaxing and creative floral class included 24 participants from many walks of life, ranging in age from 18 to 60.
Smt. Vijayalakshmi & Kumari Lavanya Dheera, who are also volunteers and devotees of Sri Ramakrishna Math, unsparingly and enthusiastically, shared their knowledge of this ancient art with all participants who were equally eager to learn.
Different types of garlands— Types of Saram, Lotus petal folded garland, Types of Dindu-Maalai, Types of Veni, Betel Leaf Saram, Rose petal garland, Traditional Jadai, Small Cute Bud garlands, Mango and Coconut leaves-thoranas, crafted with a lot of care and patience were a sight to behold at the end of each day’s workshop!
During the Valedictory Session on Sat-30th March 2024, presided by Chief Guest–Sri Ganesh ji, Chief Electrical Engineer of Southern Railway, quipped that there was a need to share this knowledge in the Northern and other parts of Bharat, where the practice of Mala Grathana (Garland Making) is not so much prevalent among common people. Certificates were given to all by Chief Guest at the end with a kind word of appreciation to each one of them.
Lunch Prasad from Sri Ramakrishna Math was served to all along with tea & snacks on all four days of the workshop.