Chennai's continuing romance with jasmine flowers

As soon as she landed in Chennai from Abu Dhabi, Sneha R, told her friend, “I want to buy some jasmine!” And they promptly headed to a flower seller’s shop in Chennai's T Nagar.

Chennai is known for its love of flowers but the culture of mallipoo (jasmine) is unique to this state. In Tamil Nadu, it’s Madurai that’s commonly associated with the mallipoo as the flower has a link to the city dating back to 300 BC. But Chennai’s love for jasmine continues to flourish.

The fragrant mallipoo is more than just a strand of flowers here – it’s an accessory, a perfume, a symbol of happiness and joy, and can even be an aphrodisiac. More importantly, it cuts across religions and age, and women of all communities are seen wearing these fragrant white flowers in their shiny black hair.

Renowned danseuse Anita Ratnam doesn’t wear the flowers in her hair but carries a small bottle of jasmine essence in her purse. “The first thing I do when I check into a hotel is sprinkle some jasmine essence in the room and put out a picture of my family on my bedside. That for me is home. Mallipoo is associated with memories,” she explains.

But mallipoo has a strong historical significance in the state as well. Says Ratnam, “The flower carries with it not just the fragrance but the grand history of celebrations, of brides wearing it, of classical dancers, of queens in court, etc. It’s a flower that has regal opulence and is synonymous with luxury. It has an extremely sensuous fragrance and is very feminine.”

It is precisely this feminine charm of the mallipoo that has many young women under its spell. Model and actress Preetha Anandhan says she loves these flowers because they definitely make her look prettier. “It feels good and I love the smell of it. Mallipoo always reminds me of my hometown, family, temple, weddings, etc.”

No festival, wedding or auspicious occasion here is complete without the presence of the mallipoo. The price may skyrocket during festive seasons (going upto Rs. 1000 for one kg) but everyone has a need for it. It’s also an eternal favourite of the Gods and in front of every temple – big or small – you’ll often find an old lady endearingly asking you to buy ‘oru muzham’ (one arm’s length) of flowers.

Deepa Athreya, education entrepreneur, loves mallipoo not just because it’s associated with memories of her paati (grandmother) but also because her husband loves it. “I like mallipoo because my husband goes gaga over me when I wear them and most importantly, mallipoo reminds me of my daughter. Fresh, gorgeous, full of life and a giver! In fact, I sometimes call my daughter Kaamaakshee 'Madurai malli'!” she laughs.

Says IT professional Thejaswini Unni, “What is amazing is the fact that the southern cities are unique in that women still use it for adorning their hair in natural ways. Even in these modern times, they don’t shy away from getting labelled. It’s probably one of the few organic and natural make-up, if you will.”

So while the city may see the younger roses and orchids making their way to the new age florists, it’s still the traditional mallipoo from the flower seller on the street that wins hands down in namma Chennai.