Ayyanar

A thoranam of mango leaves strung across the main doorway is a traditional South Indian sign of welcome and good fortune, hung for festivals, poojas, griha pravesam and family functions. Fresh leaves dry out in a day or two, so many families now keep a printed thoranam for the door. This one is made of mango leaf shapes printed with Shirdi Sai Baba, his hand raised in blessing, with a Shiva lingam, marigold garlands and lit diyas around him.

It sits in our pooja essentials, part of the personal care and household department, next to incense, sambrani and lamp supplies.

The thoranam comes ready to hang on a green cord with a ring at each end. Fix two small hooks or nails above the frame of the front door or the pooja room door and loop the rings over them. Hang it before Thursday prayers, Pongal, Diwali or a housewarming, and add fresh flowers or a string of marigolds beneath it for the day itself.

Wipe it with a soft dry cloth to remove dust, and keep it out of strong sun if you want the print to stay bright. Between festivals, roll it loosely and store it flat in a drawer with your other pooja items.