Pushpa Veni - the programme of the Bangalore chapter of Sogetsu Ikebana

I had the opportunity to attend the June programme of the Bangalore Sogetsu chapter, during my recent stay in the city.

Menaka Venugopal was the artsite at work, who gave an interesting and colourful demonstration of what she called "pushpa veni".

She invited ladies to enjoy colours while dressing and innovated on the traditional form of flower threading and garland-making.

Some common flowers she displayed were nandivittal, jasmine and also Dutch Roses and orchids.


In the picture, you can see Dutch Roses, the petals are removed, the white ends take the outer position, so they get a little white showing on the petals. By using a little imagination you could bring out the needed colours to match your attire.
Here, she has taken the Jasmine buds inwards, and displayed the stalks as well. It did get a new look as a result!
These floral venis could be used for the traditional ornamentation of the plaited hair-do or gathered up into a bun. the pieces were about 9 inches long.In a ziplock bag it could stay fresh for 9 days when stored in the refrigerator
Orchid heads used
The red of the thread adds a contrast.

She invited ladies to sing a song which featured 'pushpa' and several ladies joined one after another in singing Kannada songs featuring 'pushpa' and on that musical note the programme ended.

This year, it will be 25 years since the inception of the Bangalore Sogetsu Chapter. They are organising a big event in the month of December. I have suggested an interaction between Chennai and Bangalore in the month of September in a programme of 'workshop', as later months Navarathri and Deepavalli follow, then perhaps our annual exhibition after which we prepare for the visit to Tokyo.

Malathi