Garlands Indian – A Symbol of Love
Garlands indian are a symbol of love, honour, goodwill and beauty that has been used for adorning and decorating people since ancient times. They are still widely used during wedding ceremonies, in religious rituals like Hindu “puja” and worship and even for everyday adornment. These beautiful adornments are made of flowers such as roses, jasmine or a combination of both. In the modern age, people are also using artificial varmalas which are made of fabric, net, foil and small embellishments and are becoming very popular as they do not get spoiled easily, can be handled easily and last for longer than a real flower garland.
The earliest known use of garlands dates back to the pre-Vijayan period, when they were worn for ceremonial purposes and in temples. Later, they were also used as hair adornments and for the adoration of both men and women. Today, a variety of flower garlands are used to greet important guests at Indian functions, to decorate houses on special occasions or during festivals and as wedding gifts. In addition, all performers of classical Indian dances wear flowers as they are considered to be a sacred symbol of their art form.
One of the most significant uses of garlands indian is in Hindu temples, as they serve as a decorative element for deities and images of gods and goddesses. In fact, it is not uncommon to see a deity or idol draped in a multitude of colourful flower garlands. Many of these garlands also contain flowers such as jasmine and neem which are believed to have anti-tumour and healing properties.
Garlands Indian – A Symbol of Love, Honour, Goodwill and Beauty
Apart from their decorative value, these garlands are often used to mark religious and personal milestones. For example, a mandap at a wedding ceremony is traditionally decorated with an intricately designed garland made of roses and jasmine. Likewise, an Indian bride will wear a wedding garland to show her acceptance of her groom and this is often seen as a symbol of a new beginning. Similarly, children are given a varamala on their birthday to mark the occasion and they also wear these garlands in school during their’sandhya vrata’ or daily prayer ritual.
It is not surprising that India, a country with a kaleidoscope of languages, cultures and religions, has a wide range of traditions and customs with regard to the use of garlands in their daily lives. In spite of these differences, the significance of the floral adornments and their role in the Indian culture remains remarkably similar across the different regions.
Whether they are being offered to the gods at magnificent temples, in domestic or public acts of devotion or hung as a decoration for festive occasions, the flowers and their associated strings are not merely functional; they create a sensory experience which draws the devotees into the presence of the divine. Besides, it is only fitting that the name of the Indian worship ritual, puja, should translate to “flower act”. The term indicates the importance of flowers in this religion.