Thovalai Maanika Maalai Garlands of Tamil Nadu

(GARLAND)

DESCRIPTION

Thovalai Maanikka Maalai is a truly unique and treasured floral art that holds a special place in Indian culture, especially in the Tamil Nadu region. The name “Thovalai Maanikka Maalai” translates to “Garland of Rubies”. This refers to the unique appearance of the garland, which, due to its flower folding technique, resembles a necklace of precious rubies or gems that makes it stand apart from other traditional garlands. There are different types of Thovalai Maanikka Maalai- Temple Maanikkamaalai Haram, Temple Cart Maanikkamaalai, Marriage Maanikkamaalai, Maanikka Maalai Carpet, Bridal Maanikka Maalai Jadai, Stage Decorative Maanikkamaalai, Wall Hanging Maanikkamaalai, Maanikka Maalai jewels like Chain, Bracelets, Ear rings and mang tikka.

HISTORY AND PRESENT PRACTITIONERS

The Travancore kings were known for their love of gemstones and jewel-studded ornaments. Once, Maharaja Chithira Thirunal was presented with a unique flower garland by a woman from Thovalai village. Its intricate folding and knitting technique impressed him so much that he remarked the flowers looked like rubies. From then on, the garland came to be known as “Maanikka Maalai”, meaning “gemstone garland.”

The creator of this craft, Shri Palani Pandaram, worked at the Kanji Parai and also made flower decoration garlands in Thovalai Village in Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu. Inspired by the weaving of coconut baskets using dried coconut, he experimented with various flowers before discovering that oleander was best suited for folding. Using oleander petals and natural chamba fiber (which was readily available from local ponds), he developed a method to weave floral rows and initially used bamboo sticks to join them, but later found coconut sticks more suitable, ultimately creating beautiful mat-shaped garlands. By combining white, red, and green hues from oleander and notchi leaves, he gave the garlands their signature gemstone-like appearance.

Since then, the family of Shri. Palani Pandaram has been making this garland. Currently, it is being progressed by Mrs M.T.Vanitha Sree, a young woman in her thirties and a forebearer of the family name. She started learning this craft from her father Shri. M.Muthumperumal when she was 12 years old. She is an excellent talent in natural flower garland making and has been doing it for years now.

The people Thovalai village in Tamil Nadu have remained the sole guardian of this timeless craft. Its artisans have perfected the intricate art of making Thovalai Maanikka Maalai, passing down their unique techniques through generations. Their deep expertise allows them to recognize each garland by its distinctive weave and quality-a skill known only to the people of Thovalai.

CONNECTION WITH SREE PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most famous and oldest temples of not just India but the entire world. The same is proved by the fact that it finds multiple mentions in Epics, Puranas, Srimad Bhagavatha, etc. While it is considered impossible to find the exact date of this temple‟s creation, it goes back to at least 1050 A.D. The temple is highly revered among devotees and holds a special value among the Indian culture. Thovalai Maanika Maalai has been attached with the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple for around 146 years. The garland has been a part of the annual 10-day Urthsavam festival and Mahara Sankaranthi celebrations since 1845.

METHOD OF PRODUCTION

Materials required:

1. Oleander and rose flowers
2. Nochi leaves
3. Chamba fibre

The first step of creating Thovalai Maanikka Maalai is to collect the needed flowers. : The flowers used for the garland are selected with great care. Oleander flowers (white and red) and roses (particularly red) are commonly used. These flowers are known for their ability to maintain their shape and colour after being folded, making them ideal for creating the gem-like appearance. The flowers of the right shape and size are bought from local markets in and around Thovalai.  Nochi leaves are locally sourced by the garland-makers. They pluck the leaves from the plants that are available nearby. Nochi leaves are responsible for the green colour that is used in Thovalai Maanikka Maala. The Chamba fibre is used to weave the flowers together in a row. The fibre is sourced from the nearby areas of Kanyakumari district. Now, Chamba fibre is used to sew the flowers and petals so as to get the desired garland shape.

After collecting all the raw materials, the local artisans begin by sketching the design. Once they are satisfied with the design, the garland maker carefully selects and examines the quality of the flowers before starting to weave them together. This process of weaving the flowers and petals is done with great precision and patience.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

Multi-Colored Flowers: The garland is made using different colored flowers arranged in a way that each flower appears like a gemstone.

Invisible String: The thread or string that holds the flowers together is almost invisible, making the flowers appear to float or be strung without any visible support.

Geometric Proportions: The arrangement of flowers follows strict geometric proportions, which is essential to give the garland its distinctive look.

Mat Shape: Unlike the typical tube-shaped garlands, the Thovalai Maanikka Maalai is often mat-shaped, giving it a more expansive, luxurious, and unique appearance.

Size and Design: The garlands can vary in size, ranging from 1 foot to 24 feet or more, depending on the occasion. The designs are often sketched beforehand, and the flowers are counted and arranged meticulously before they are knotted together. The flowers are typically arranged in five rows, though special occasions like weddings may call for twenty rows.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

One of the most important uses of the Thovalai Maanikka Maalai is in religious ceremonies. Temples such as Padmanabhapuram and others in the region have long adorned their deities with these garlands as part of daily rituals. Considered offerings of the highest purity and devotion, they embody both spiritual and aesthetic significance—much like rubies, symbolizing wealth, beauty, and divine grace.