Vivekananda Cultural Centre - Blog , Workshop

16th Batch of Mala Grathana Workshop

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 18:24:33 +0530

Course: 16th Batch of Mala Grathana
Venue: Swami Ramakrishnananda Hall, Vivekananda Cultural Centre
Dates: 06 & 07 June 2026

The 16th Batch of the Mala Grathana Workshop was successfully conducted on 6th and 7th June 2026 at Swami Ramakrishnananda Hall, Vivekananda Cultural Centre.

The workshop commenced with floral offerings to the Holy Trio, followed by an introductory session and prayer. The training sessions were conducted by Sri Amarnath, Sri Surya, and Smt. Nirmala, who guided the participants through the traditional art of garland making.

During the two-day workshop, participants learned a variety of traditional techniques and designs including Saram, Veni, Veni Board Method, Golden Thread Veni, Lotus Petal Folding, Dhindu Malai, Jadai Alankaram, and several other decorative floral patterns. The sessions provided hands-on experience, enabling participants to appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of this sacred art.

A special and memorable highlight of the workshop was the visit of Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, the President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. During his visit to Vivekanandar Illam on 7th June, the workshop participants had the blessed opportunity to prepare a beautiful garland and offer it to Revered Maharaj. The participants received his gracious blessings, making it a truly unforgettable spiritual experience.

The valedictory function was marked by heartfelt reflections from the instructors. Sri Amarnath and Smt. Nirmala shared their experiences of teaching the traditional craft and expressed their joy in witnessing the enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity displayed by the participants throughout the workshop.

Participants also shared their experiences, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn a unique aspect of Indian tradition, as many were searching for such place and teachers. Many spoke about the joy of working with flowers, the value of preserving traditional skills, and the spiritual satisfaction derived from creating garlands for worship and service. Few expressed to join future events at VCC.

In his benedictory address, the Director Swamiji encouraged everyone to continue practising the art they had learned and to actively preserve and pass on India's rich cultural and spiritual traditions to future generations. He emphasized that such traditional arts are not merely skills but expressions of devotion, discipline, and cultural heritage.

Participation certificates were distributed to all the attendees in recognition of their successful completion of the workshop. The programme concluded with a group photograph, capturing the joyful memories of the two-day learning experience.

Throughout the workshop, participants were served tea and snacks on both days, along with lunch prasadam, which added to the warm and enjoyable atmosphere of the programme.

The workshop was a wonderful blend of learning, devotion, creativity, and cultural preservation, leaving participants inspired to continue practising and sharing the sacred art of Mala Grathana.

Kolam workshop 10th Batch

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:57:12 +0530

More Image

The 10th batch of the Kolam Workshop commenced on 5th April 2026 with a serene and traditional inauguration. The session began with prayers, flower offerings setting a spiritually uplifting tone for the day.
The workshop was led by Smt. Kamalavathy, a renowned Kolam artist, who in her introductory address beautifully explained the relevance of this ancient art in today’s fast-paced world. She highlighted the threefold benefits of practicing Kolam—enhancing creativity, cultivating discipline, and fostering inner peace—making it not just an art form but a meaningful daily practice.
A total of 12 participants took part with great enthusiasm. The full-day workshop, held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offered comprehensive training across a wide range of Kolam styles, including Single Stroke, Double Stroke, Line Kolams, Padi Kolams, Sikku Kolams, Freehand Kolams, Puja Room Kolams, and Big Kolams. Participants actively engaged in learning and practicing each style, gaining both skill and confidence.
In his benedictory message, Director Swamiji emphasized the importance of preserving traditions and spoke about their deep connection to one’s spiritual growth. He encouraged participants to continue practicing and passing on this sacred art to future generations.
The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants. They shared their heartfelt feedback, expressing gratitude to the Vivekananda Cultural Centre and the instructor for the enriching experience. Many also showed keen interest in enrolling for advanced-level workshops and participating in future cultural programs.
The success of the workshop was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the instructor, along with the support of volunteers and staff. Lunch prasad, along with tea and snacks, was served to all participants, ensuring a fulfilling and joyful experience throughout the day

Mala Grathana - 15th Batch

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:35:36 +0530

More Image

15th Batch of Mala Grathana Concludes at Vivekananda Cultural Centre

The 15th batch of the Mala Grathana (Garland Stringing) Workshop concluded gracefully at the Vivekananda Cultural Centre on 22nd February 2026. Conducted over two days — 21st and 22nd February — the workshop witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 11 dedicated learners who successfully completed the training.

The valedictory function began on an auspicious note with an Ārati performed by Swami Ishapremananda Maharaj, In-charge of the V. House Museum, invoking divine blessings for all present. The serene atmosphere set the tone for a heartfelt and spiritually uplifting conclusion to the workshop.

The trainer, Ms. K. Krishnaveni, shared her reflections on the batch, appreciating the participants for their sincerity, creativity, and the devotion they expressed through their garland-making. She highlighted how beautifully they had imbibed both the technical skill and the spiritual essence of Mala Grathana.

Participants also shared their experiences, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn this sacred art in such a spiritually vibrant environment. Many described how the workshop transformed their understanding of garland stringing — from a simple craft into an offering of love and mindfulness.

Addressing the gathering, Swami Ishapremananda ji Maharaj spoke about the deeper spiritual significance of Mala Grathana. He explained that stringing flowers is not merely an artistic activity but an act of worship — symbolizing the offering of one’s thoughts, focus, and devotion at the feet of the Divine. He encouraged everyone to continue practicing this art with reverence and to integrate such mindful devotion into their daily lives.

The program concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants, followed by a joyful group photograph capturing the spirit of devotion, learning, and togetherness that defined the workshop.

Thus, the 15th batch of Mala Grathana came to a beautiful close — weaving together skill, spirituality, and joy, and inspiring all to carry forward this sacred tradition with dedication and love.