Over two tonnes of flowers from several destinations were used by about 40 people who worked for over 10 hours to bedeck the Army truck and gun carriage for Jayalalithaa’s final journey. The flowers were of two varieties, one being the decorative kind, including cut flowers like orchids, lillies, carnations, asparagus and daisies and the other, more traditional varieties like roses and white marigold (Vellai samandi in Tamil). Working at a brisk pace, knitting garlands to decorate the truck carrying the Chief Minister’s body, Velu, a senior florist from Koyambedu market said, “The choice of flowers should be in sync with the sombre mood of the occasion, that is the most important thing.”
He said a total of “well over 2,000 kilos of flowers” were used for making garlands and flower hangings. The garlands were used to on the Army truck, the gun carriage and the memorial site for Jayalalithaa, he added.
Cut flowers and marigold were sourced from different destinations, including Bengaluru, he said.
“Forty of us have been working since 3 am today knitting the flower garlands, piecing together cut-flowers and giving it the required shape and look.”
Although the task was quite laborious, he said, “We are satisfied to see that it soothes people who are grieved over the demise of Amma.”