This is Part 15 of Beauty Secrets of India, our 20-part series on traditional beauty rituals from across the country. New here? Start with Part 1: Kerala Coconut Oil Hair Ritual, or read the previous instalment, Part 14: Reetha and Shikakai.
In the evening, flower sellers sit outside temples and bus stands across South India, threading jasmine buds into long strings by hand. A few hours later, the buds open and fill the air with scent. Wearing fresh flowers in the hair is one of India's loveliest everyday beauty traditions.
The flowers
- Madurai malli: The jasmine of Madurai in Tamil Nadu is prized for its thick petals and strong fragrance, and holds a GI tag. Madurai's flower market is a sight in itself.
- Mogra: Arabian jasmine, the classic gajra flower in Maharashtra and north India.
- Kanakambaram: Bright orange firecracker flowers, often strung with jasmine in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. They have little scent but hold their shape for days.
- Mullai and chameli: Other jasmines used for strings and garlands.
- Roses and marigolds: Used in bridal hairstyles and festive buns.
Names and styles
- Gajra is wrapped around a bun, popular in Maharashtra, Gujarat and north India.
- Veni or poo saram is a long string pinned along a plait, typical in the south.
- Brides in Tamil Nadu and Kerala may wear a full jadai of flowers covering the entire braid.
- Flowers are worn for temple visits, festivals, weddings and, for many women, every day.
How to wear a flower string
- Make a plait or bun and secure it well.
- For a plait, pin the top of the string just below the crown with two U-pins in a cross.
- For a bun, wrap the gajra around the base and tuck the ends with bobby pins.
- Spray a light mist of water to keep the flowers fresh for longer.
Keeping flowers fresh
- Buy buds rather than open flowers in the evening. They will open at night.
- Wrap unused strings in a damp cloth or banana leaf and keep them in the fridge.
- Avoid spraying perfume directly onto jasmine. It browns the petals.
- A strong floral scent can trigger headaches or sneezing in some people.
Plan a visit to Madurai with our Tamil Nadu travel guide.
Patch test first: dab a little of any DIY mix on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours before using it on your face or scalp. These rituals are shared as cultural and personal-care traditions, not medical treatment. For persistent skin or hair problems, see a dermatologist.
Next in the series: Part 16: Abhyanga.
