Flower arrangement is more of a ritual in our country. "It is assumed that in India, flower arrangement is restricted to garlands and that the use of a pot or a vase is a foreign concept that we have acquired. We couldn't be more wrong," says Dhanalakshmi Fordyce, Ikebana expert and author. 

Metrolife caught up with Dhanalakshmi on the eve of the launch of her new book. Exuding old world charm she speaks knowledgeably and confidently about her book and her findings.

About the book
The book, titled 'Purna Ghata' traces the origins of the Japanese art of flower arrangement, Ikebana, to India. Twenty years of research has gone into the book and it dwells upon Dhanalakshmi's discovery.

 Says Dhanalakshmi, "The floral art in India, known as Purna Ghata, started 800 years before it did in Japan. The first pot I saw was in the museum in Chennai. My work started there." According to her, the arrangement consisted of the three stages, the seed pod, the bud and the open flower, it came to represent the past, present and the future: A concept well imbibed in Indian culture.

But how does one explain the fact that after the art travelled to Japan, it was not retained in India? "When have we cared about restoring and protecting our culture, art and national treasures?" asks Dhanalakshmi.
As for Japan, they certainly seem to have taken the concept, worked on it and retained it well. “The Japanese are one of the most artistic people in the world. They have great respect for culture and have struck a balance between their traditions and the new world. Anything that they have received, be it music, dance, martial art or flower arrangement, they have learnt to preserve it," she says.

Choice aplenty
And what does she think of modern day flower arrangement in India? “The variety of flowers available today are wonderful. There are so many to choose from. But arrangement has unfortunately become very commercial. It lacks softness, the flowers are stunning but the arrangement is stiff."

In the book, Dhanalakshmi has stepped out of her reclusive life. She wrote the book because she wants people to know about the origins of flower arrangement. She wants them to be aware and take pride in the art and perhaps show more concern towards retaining and treasuring it. And what does Purna Ghata mean? She says, "Purna means forever and Ghata means pot. Translated, it means 'the eternal pot'."

Does she worry about repercussions of her claims? “There will definitely be a lot of debate and strong accusations. There will be people who don't believe my research and will dismiss it. But I am sure of my work, and now, I am not afraid and worried to face people with it," she says confidently.