Meet My Garland Maker R Jayaselvam from Anushia Flower Shop

What to Expect

Floral garlands are an important part of Hindu culture, especially during funeral services; these vibrant handmade offerings emblematic of the circle of life symbolise deep respect for those that have passed, while also serving to ease the hearts of the grieving. Join longtime master garland maker Mr Selvam in learning to craft your own garland, while also getting insight into the meaning behind each garland design, and why it differs from person to person.

About Meet My Craftsman

The rites and rituals that accompany one’s last journey are often elaborate and require a great deal of care. Meet the craftsmen who have dedicated their lives to the preparation of items used in our funerals; down to the last detail.

About the Organisation

Established in 1994, Anushia Flower Shop is named after Mr Selvam’s wife. Flowers are a necessity in many Hindu rituals: as part of traditional clothing, tributes to gods, festive decorations, and even medicine. For instance, during weddings, the bride makes her entrance beneath a flower canopy called the phoolon ki chaadar. It is typically decorated with bright red flowers to symbolise purity, protection, and bravery.

Anushia Flower Shop is also a pioneer in its field where they are the first garland maker in Singapore to digitalise their business. Their website was launched in 2019 with the help of Mr Selvam’s son and the move has greatly improved their business.

About the Host

With over 40 years of experience crafting flower garlands by hand, Mr R Jayaselvam has run Anushia Flower Shop for 30 years. In 1994, he left his previous trade as a machinist to pursue garland-making full time. He has made garlands for former Prime Ministers and Olympic gold medalists. He is also a digitalisation pioneer in his field, as the first garland maker to bring his business online during the pandemic.

Who should come?

• Everyone is welcome to participate!
• Participants 12 years and under must be accompained and surpervised by a parent/guardian at all times.

Programme Details

• Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
• Language: English
• Meeting Point: Meet at Little India MRT Station Exit E - Street Level (60 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229900)

• Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.

• The events will proceed rain or shine.

What to bring?

• Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear covered shoes.
  
• Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.

• Please ensure that you bring along any personal Medic*tion. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.

Other important information

• Parking is available on street in the vicinity.
• The venue is not wheelchair friendly.
• Photography is allowed during the event.

Disclaimer

• All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
• Each ticket admits only one participant.
• By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
• Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host. Facilitators will brief participants at the start of the programme.
• Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.

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• Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates.

Host or Publisher My Community Festival