How to make the poola jada at home , a simple idea through images
Floral decorations can be done in innumerable ways and along with
rangoli form an art form that is creative in nature.
Alankaram is an important art.
Traditionally decoration of the braid with flowers and hence floral decorations have been given
importance particularly for weddings.
The following images show how a simple poo jadi is made.
Usually we use three flowers of different colours choosing at least two fragrant varieties
As shown in the first image, jasmine flowers are Not tied following the traditional method of stringing .
They are tied on one side only so that all the stalks are on one side .
The method followed for stringing the flowers is the same as that we follow for tying flowers on both sides of a string,
only in this case all flowers will be one one side.
The strung flowers are cut into three equal parts, in the image I have shown. The number depends upon the length of the "jada" The ends are tied so that they form circles.
Similarly another flower like kanakambaram (it has bright orange colour and so it is chosen ). These flowers are also tied following the same method that is used for the jasmine to get a circular floral arrangement.
A very thick paper or cardboard of suitable length is taken and cut to get a rectangular shape. Place jasmine on the cardboard and tie using a needle and string so that it is firmly in place.
Next place the kanakambaram (firecracker flower ) flowers on the jasmine and tie them to the cardboard through the jasmine . The result is as shown in the second image.
The third flower can be a rose or "maru" leaves ( that have been used in this poola jada (
braid decoration) .
The circular floral arrangement should of decreasing diameter so that the poo jadi tapers from the top to bottom ( it is wider at the top than at the bottom )
Then, the extra projections of cardboard are cut using a pair of scissors, carefully so that only the floral decoration is visible.
A smaller version can be used for festivals like Varalakshmi Vratham.
Using a needle and thread make provisions at two or three places, for tying this decoration to the braid, taking into consideration the weight (!) of the flower jada.
This is a simple combination of flowers, we can use different combinations to suit our taste and availability of flowers.
We can also change the order of flowers, having jasmine at the top instead of the bottom.
Poo jadai as it also called is a simple yet beautiful floral decoration. Add to it the fragrance of the flowers. These floral decorations are not only important in traditional functions but also for some festivals like Varalakshmi Puja.
Poo jadai was an important decoration for children few decades back for Navratri festival!
A simple poo - jadai for Varalakshmi Vratham - cut a thick board in the form of a "jadai " - place already strung jasmine or similar flowers and sew to the board.
On either side sew colourful roses ( yellow, orange etc ) as shown. The result a beautiful decoration for Goddess Lakshmi.
There are videos in my YouTube Channel - "Sudha Balaji" showing how to string the jasmine and rose and other floral decorations
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