India’s ‘Madurai Malli’ captivates world’s senses

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.There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. India is such a place! – Keith Bellows, National Geographic Soceity

Every Indian can relate to the fact that, “You can take an Indian out of India, but, never take India out of an Indian.”

Thus, to ensure that Indians living abroad get supplies of fresh flowers from India to offer to deities at home and in temples, consignments of Geographical Indications (GI) certified Madurai malli and other traditional flowers were exported to USA and Dubai, from Tamil Nadu on Thursday.

About Madurai Malli:

Jasmines (Jasminum Officinale) are among the world’s most popular flowers, known for its engrossing fragrance.

The Madurai Malli gets its name from its place of origin, the Madurai city in Tamil Nadu. And, there would be no one in the state who would not have adorned their hair with the beautiful flower, atleast once or offered it in temples.

Madurai: The Jasmine capital of India

In splendor, the Madurai Malli is analogous to Madurai’s Meenakshi temple. This is precisely why the flower became the first flower in Tamil Nadu to receive a GI-tag certification.

Madurai has evolved as a major market for malligai, thus, postulated as the ‘jasmine capital’ of India.

Floriculture exports from India:

During 2020-2021, freshly cut jasmine flowers and bouquets (comprising of jasmine and other traditional flowers) worth Rs. 66.28 crores were exported to countries like USA,UAE, Singapore, etc.

Out of which, flowers worth Rs.11.84 crores were exported from Tamil Nadu region through the major airports of Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai.

What it means for India:

The export of traditional flowers from India to abroad provides a boost to not just India’s position in the world market and its forex reserves, it is also a means of empowerment for local farmers.

Further, it is an export of India’s ancient tradition, culture and mesmerizing aroma to the world.

It also provides employment to about 130 women workers, and about 30 skilled workers. With the successful export of India’s traditional flowers to USA and UAE, the Indian community in abroad would now be able to offer fresh flowers to Hindu deities both at home and temples, while celebrating religious and cultural festivals.