The garlands of Tamil Nadu are well known for their imaginative arrangement and juxtaposition of colours. This is a traditional craft. Arali buds and flowers are collected and woven into garlands for decorating deities in temples on festive and auspicious occasions. The craft requires patience, skill and imagination. In addition to the traditional garlands, the craft is also used to make unusual temple decorations.
Sandalwood Garlands are made from the sandalwood shavings, which are shaped and strung on string in particular patterns to form the garlands. These are made in Mysore, Sagar, Sirsi and Kumta districts of Karnataka. The shavings are left in their natural form with no painting or any other form of embellishment.