As we admire the beautiful garlands in our homes and temples during the Festival of Lights, let’s not forget the efforts of local garland sellers who worked tirelessly to supply everyone with vibrant blooms.

One of these sellers is Anamalay Nadaraj, who has been selling traditional flower garlands for about 25 years now. Popularly known as Kartik, the good-natured vendor is a common sight at his stall located just outside the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Jalan Tun H S Lee here.

Th 57-year-old got into the business by following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who owned a plantation in Rawang.

“When I was schooling, I grew interested in the flower-garland business and began learning how to make them. After SPM, I started my own business. I never needed to work for anyone,” Kartik told FMT Lifestyle.

Watching him create the garlands is a captivating experience. His hands move with dexterity as he shapes and connects the blossoms together, resulting in the eye-catching arrangements displayed at his stall.

Kartik’s garlands are always in demand for weddings, funerals and other events, and are purchased by customers of all races and backgrounds. Surprisingly, many of his regular customers are Chinese.

On most mornings, he arrives at his stall at 6.30am and works tirelessly until the temple closes.

Most of Kartik’s flower stock comes from a local supplier in Cameron Highlands, although some of his blooms are more exotic: his orchids are from Thailand, his roses from India, and his jasmines from Indonesia.

Prices range from about RM6-10 for simple garlands, all the way up to RM30 and above for more elaborate designs.

“Sometimes, my customers show me photos of garland designs from Thailand. They really are very complicated, but I try my best to create them,” Kartik shared.

Naturally, Deepavali is one of the busiest times of the year for him. Kartik starts creating garlands days in advance, and preserves them in a fridge or freezer.

He usually ends up making hundreds – perhaps even 1,000! – garlands for the festivities.

This high demand means Kartik has to work hard on Deepavali day itself: he spends most of his time in the temple making sure orders are fulfilled.

It can sometimes be tiring, but he is used to it by now; and seeing satisfied customers fills him with satisfaction in turn.

According to Kartik, the garland business is a stable one, as Indian families always need fresh flowers for celebrations. The biggest challenge, however, is the uncertain nature of flower growing, which is dependent on factors beyond his control.

“Sometimes, there’s business but there’s not enough flowers; sometimes we have too many flowers but no one buys,” Kartik pointed out.

While one of his sons is currently involved with the business on a part-time basis, Kartik does not believe any of his four children will take over his stall. He is thinking of selling it after retiring.

Nevertheless, the business has ultimately been good to him: proceeds from the garland sales have helped him send all his children to university.

“And the best thing about this is I get to make offerings to the gods,” Kartik concluded with a smile. “That makes me very happy.”