A blend of cultures 

Ikebana demonstration at Dhi Art Space, Hyderabad, by Ohryu Rekha Reddy, First Master, Ohara School of Ikebana, Hyderabad

Panchabhutas or the five elements have great significance in our culture, history and the cosmic universe. Based on these elements, Rekha Reddy did seven large arrangements and depicted the ‘Panchabhutas’ in an innovative and creative way, through Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

The aim of this was not only to spread the art of Ikebana and promote greenery but also to remind and spread the richness of our culture and heritage. It was a juxtaposition of the Japanese art and Indian culture.

The arrangements
Prithvi (Earth) - a lush green landscape arrangement showing the bounty of the land. It was done as 'Shakei' an important arrangement style of the Ohara school of Ikebana. Flowers like arelias, ficus, ferns, kanakambaram and lantana were used.

Jala (Water) - a mizumono or water based arrangement showing off cool water spaces. Graceful reeds, mini water cabbages and a pink water lily were used in this.

Agni (Fire) - a large five material moribana style using bold reds hanging heliconias, red ixora flowers, orange confetti roses representing the flames and greenery was used in this.

Vayu (Air) - a windblown effect style in a tall Japanese basket with flowing hibiscus stems like blowing in the wind, lagers troika flowers, Mysore malli, philodendron leaves and dracaena berries completed the feel. The second arrangement depicting the wind was a free style, structural one with umbrella palms flowing sideways in two tall yellow containers with purple orchids, purple carnations, golden melaleuca and juniper.

Akasa (sky) - a one-row form-based creation depicting the light coloured sky and clouds. A bunch of baby's breath and airy limonium like the clouds and sky with a few pink oriental lilies like birds arising from them, pink roses and dark purple leaves completed this style.
The final style was a circular form called Mawaru, which had all five elements, Panchabhutas depicted in one.

The demonstration was organised by Ikebana International, Hyderabad Chapter #250, which was founded in 1997 by Late Grandmaster Horyu Meena Anantnarayan in 1999. The chapter now has more than 50 members with Uma Chigurupati as Chapter President.

Members meet every month over interesting workshops, exhibitions, Indo-Japanese fusion events and the cultural programmes. The committee works hard at promoting Ikebana and spreading the art by organising various kinds of programmes.

Rekha spoke about the significance of each of the five elements, the five Shiva Temples that are in South India, each depicting one element; the Nitya (permanent) and Anitya (perishable) aspect of each of the Panchabhutas.