Thovalai Maanikka Maalai_ Floral Art That Glitters Like Gem

1. Thovalai Maanikka Maalai: Floral Art That Glitters Like Gem The Origins of Thovalai Maanikka Maalai

2. In the serene village of Thovalai, nestled in Tamil Nadu’s Kanniyakumari district, a unique floral craft known as the Thovalai Maanikka Maalai thrives, blending tradition, artistry, and cultural heritage. This intricate garland, often described as a "garland of rubies" due to its gemstone-like appearance, is a testament to the skill and dedication of local artisans.

3. The Indo Thai news circuit has recently spotlighted this craft, highlighting its cultural significance and its growing recognition on both national and international stages. This blog delves into the history, craftsmanship, cultural importance, and modern relevance of the Thovalai Maanikka Maalai, a floral art form that continues to captivate hearts.

4. The Thovalai Maanikka Maalai, or "gemstone garland," traces its origins back to Palani Pandaram, an artisan from Thovalai who, about 150–180 years ago, pioneered this unique technique. Inspired by the local coconut basket weaving method, Pandaram experimented with flowers, discovering that oleander flowers, with their vibrant hues, were ideal for the folding technique that gives the garland its distinctive gem-like appearance. Using natural chamba fibre, a long grass variety found in local ponds, he tied the flowers together, creating a garland that sparkled like precious stones.

5. This innovation laid the foundation for a craft that has been passed down through generations, preserving a piece of Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural tapestry. The Indo Thai news has noted this historical connection, drawing parallels with similar floral traditions in Thailand, such as the Phuang Malai, suggesting a shared cultural heritage that spans centuries.

6. The garland’s name, "Maanikka Maalai," meaning "garland of rubies," was inspired by its striking resemblance to gemstones, a quality that caught the attention of the Travancore kings. According to the Geographical Indications (GI) journal, Chithira Thirunal Maharaja, a Travancore ruler, was once gifted a Thovalai garland and remarked that its folded flowers resembled rubies, cementing its name and legacy. This royal endorsement elevated the craft’s status, and it became a staple offering at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a tradition that continues to this day.

7. Creating a Thovalai Maanikka Maalai is both an art and a science, requiring precision, patience, and a deep understanding of floral arrangement. The process begins with sketching the design on paper, determining the number of flowers needed and their arrangement in rows—typically five, though up to 20 rows may be used for elaborate wedding decorations. The primary flowers used are red and white oleander, often complemented by roses and other local blooms, with chaste tree (Nochi) leaves providing a contrasting green backdrop. The flowers are meticulously folded to conceal their petals and threads, creating a geometric pattern that mimics the sparkle of gemstones.

8. The Indo Thai news has highlighted the skill of artisans like M.T. Vanitha Sree, a sixth-generation craftswoman who has become a torchbearer for this tradition. Vanitha, despite holding a B.Tech and MBA and having worked as a software quality testing engineer, returned to her family’s craft out of passion. She, along with her parents, M. Muthumperumal and M. Tamilarasi, crafts these garlands daily for the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a practice their family has upheld for over 146 years. The garlands vary in size, from one foot to over 24 feet, and are measured in a traditional unit called "Pagalam," always in odd numbers, adding to their cultural specificity.

9. The Thovalai Maanikka Maalai gained international recognition when Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased it during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Mamallapuram in October 2019. Vanitha Sree demonstrated the craft to the dignitaries, highlighting its role as a symbol of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage. This moment brought the garland global attention, with the Indo Thai news covering the event as a bridge between Indian and Thai floral traditions, noting similarities with Thailand’s Phuang Malai, which is used in ceremonies to convey respect and luck.

10. In April 2025, the Thovalai Maanikka Maalai received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a recognition of its unique regional identity and cultural significance. The application, filed by the Thovalai Maanikkamaalai Kaivinai Kalaingargal Nalasangam and facilitated by the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation, marked a milestone for the craft after a three-year process. The GI tag, as reported by the Indo Thai news, ensures that only garlands made in Thovalai using traditional techniques can bear the Maanikka Maalai name, protecting the craft from imitation and boosting its market value.