CHENNAI: A week-long workshop ‘Parijatham’ on making garlands and stringing flowers was inaugurated here on Tuesday by Minister for Rural Industries MC Sampath. The event was jointly organised by Poompuhar (TN Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd), in association with World Crafts Council (WCC) and the Government Museum, Chennai.
According to Poompuhar officials, the traditional craft of weaving and stringing flowers together to make garlands that were grand with intricate designs on them was on the wane, as there were only a few people who were coming forward to learn and benefit from the ancient Indian craft.
“WCC alerted us about this trend which is a cause for concern. Hence, Poompuhar, in association with the museum and the WCC, has organised the workshop to train aspirants in the ancient art of making garlands,” an official said.
Talking to City Express, Rajam Subramaniam of WCC said there was a huge demand in the market for persons skilled in making garlands and stringing flowers. “The idea is to pass on the traditional knowledge in making intricately designed garlands to the next generation. Also, this would be remunerative for the learners.”
Twenty-five aspirants have been chosen to undergo the week-long training.