The exchange of floral garlands (varmala or jaimala ceremony) in Hindu weddings signifies the sacred union of two souls and a new beginning. Each petal of the intricately crafted flower garlands radiates an everlasting ‘fragrance of love’. And the newly wed couples, of late, are increasingly seeking ways to preserve these precious blooms rather than discarding them, choosing to weave these sweet memories into keepsakes they can cherish for a lifetime.
23-year-old Rashi Saikia from central Assam‘s Nagaon district is making this possible by transforming wedding garlands into captivating works of art using resin. “The varmala ceremony is incredibly auspicious. It unites two souls, and the exchange of garlands between the bride and groom is a precious moment. Preserving these special memories by transforming them into captivating resin art pieces is truly fulfilling,” says Rashi.
From Makeup Artist to Resin Art Enthusiast
A makeup artist by profession, Rashi’s artistic journey with resin began during a visit to Kolkata for a make-up seminar. “I attended a resin art workshop there and as it was completely new to me, I was immediately fascinated by the artwork,” she recalls. Currently pursuing her Masters in Commerce, Rashi’s newfound passion for resin art allows her to express her creativity in a unique way.
The Art of Resin
For those unfamiliar, resin art is a form of art and craft that uses resin (epoxy) as a primary ingredient. Mixed with paint or inks, it creates stunning, glossy masterpieces. Rashi’s technique involves preserving the varmalas within either resin or wooden frames. Wooden frames allow for the preservation of more flowers due to the higher resin capacity, while resin frames are more affordable and suitable for smaller arrangements. Prices start at Rs 3,000 and can go up to Rs 20,000-Rs 30,000 depending on the frame size.
Spreading the Word Through Social Media
Rashi has found social media to be a powerful tool for promoting her work. “Varmala preservation isn’t a new concept, but many people in Assam are unaware of it. I often receive calls from people who say they had no idea about this option until they saw my posts on social media,” she says.
“My clientele is primarily from Guwahati and Nagaon, but the art style is gaining popularity as more couples show interest in capturing the essence of their wedding garlands forever. Preserved garlands serve as a beautiful reminder, allowing them to relive their special day with a single glance,” she avers.
The Creative Process
Rashi meticulously preserves the blooms to create these art pieces. “I have in-depth discussions with my clients about the frames, designs, and customizations they desire,” she says. “The arrangement of the flowers is crucial for enhancing the visual appeal. To add a personal touch, we can incorporate the couple’s picture and wedding cards alongside the preserved flowers, creating a warm and romantic ambience,” she adds.
Preservation Tips
To ensure the best possible outcome, Rashi advises clients to air dry their varmalas by hanging them in a well-ventilated area before shipping. “Flowers should never be placed in plastic bags or containers, as this can lead to mold growth,” she cautions. “The entire process, from drying the garlands to preserving them, takes approximately 2-3 weeks. Drying the flowers requires meticulous care and precision to maintain their color, texture, and exquisiteness,” says Rashi.
Specialized Materials and Techniques
Resin art requires a variety of materials, including resin, molds, silica gel, heat guns, resin pigments, latex, and resin craft tools. “It’s not just about the tools, but also the time and effort invested in creating each enchanting piece. Unfortunately, these materials are expensive and have to be shipped in from outside Assam, as they are not available locally.”
Rashi Saikia’s artistry goes beyond simply preserving flowers; she creates unique keepsakes that will be treasured for generations to come.