Indoor Activities

The Chettinad region is well known for its temples, which play a central role in every town, from the layout to the economics and artforms. The patronage of the temples has taken the art form of Garland making to new heights. Tons of flowers are picked everyday to use in worship and community events, and the expert garland makers come up with innovative ways to display the flowers. The rituals and flowers used vary between the deity of the temples and regional systems. Every Chettinad clan has its own temple with variations on the core rituals.

The garland culture in Chettinad plays a role in all aspects of life, and learning about it is an experience in itself. Learn about the different kinds of exotic flowers and leaves used in the garlands, and in particular regional favorites. Join the women in plucking the fragrant and aromatic flowers from the gardens around the area. Watch the women deftly string together the flowers in different aromatic and visual combinations using techniques handed down over generations. Make your own garland design with the flowers of your choice. Observe the rituals surrounding the use of flowers for the various Gods. Learn about the myths of the garland makers of the various temples that dot the region, some of whom have pledged their entire lives to garland making for the gods. Garland making is an intensely spiritual exercise with a soothing effect with the natural colors and fragrances. It is also a community affair, which allows every woman to participate in the activity of worship. At Chidambara Vilas, visitors can experience the fragrant and colorful role of flowers in the daily life of the people in the Chettinad region.

Learn the art of drawing colorful ‘Kolams’ that are practised since ancient times in the Chettinad region. Participate in the process of designing Kolams, including choosing colors and the actual hand drawing methods used to create the Kolam. Its a creative and fun activity for women and children. Take a trip around the town to view the myriad Kolams drawn in front of the various houses.

In Chettinad, the joint family system meant that there were several ladies who could participate in the creation of the Kolam. The Kolams were a regular fixture in front of Chettinad homes. Large, beautiful and complex kolams were made by the ladies for whom it was a matter of pride. The kolams had to match the opulent chettinad homes to whom it welcomed visitors.

From ancient times, Chettinad women have created these magnificient designs in the first light of dawn, presenting a magical sight to behold at the threshold of the opulent homes. This was done to welcome wealth into the home, ward of evil spirits and eventually to feed the ants and birds that carry away the rice powder. Today, visitors to Chidambara vilas can become part of this colorful and auspicious tradition.