Walk-through of Bodhi Bonsai Exhibition October 2025

Video Courtesy : Latha Rao

Experience the Bonsai Exhibition organized by Bodhi - The Chennai Bonsai Association at the Lalit Kala Academy on 30th Sept - 2nd Oct 2025.

Bodhi Exhibition Oct 2025 : My experience as a Bodhi member

 By Vijaya  Chamundeswari

I parked my car and entered the premises of Lalit Kala Academy. As I stepped towards the hall my face lit into a bright smile. The green board announcing the exhibition of BODHI stood tall in the entrance welcoming all nature lovers. This was a very different experience for me who has visited this hall umpteen times. My eyes were always on the wall that had beautiful paintings of renowned artists and budding painters and sculptors. Now I saw the passionate creations of our own Bodhi Bonsai artists - sitting pretty, as if they have entered the hall of fame. I felt as if they were all smiling at me proudly as I passed by, a branch brushed my arm as if to say, ‘Hey! How do I look?’ I smiled at her and clicked a pic. Every rustle that I heard felt like words that could be comprehended. The connect was very strong. Another beauty waved her flowing branch from yonder for attention. I was walking following the array but couldn’t help stepping back for a second look. Wonderful creations all.

All things bright and beautiful all creations great and small.

All things wise and wonderful our Bodhi made them all!

(excuse me for tweaking the words in excitement)

Our lil greenies

 

 

The philosophy of Bonsai that Dr. Yogesh had penned so well in our magazine came to my mind. I floated along in a different world under this Bodhi ‘Tree’- our well-knit family of Bonsai lovers. The cascading Jade bowed down humbly while the raft whispered “I fall only to rise again” Mame cuties perched here and there were like Nature’s cherubs while those wise old trees with spread out branches with a thick and rugged trunk looked at us with a calm look of, ‘Oh! I’ve seen it all.’ We had some literati bonsai tall, bent, curved and even twisted with a little green pad at the end saying life is more beautiful when you are flexible enough to adapt to situations. Oh! I can go on with my philosophical brain but let’s move on to some proud moments of this exhibition.

With our dignitaries

A proud moment for Bodhi indeed! We had the Consul general of Japan Mr. Takahashi Muneo to inaugurate our exhibition. Our member Beena in her chirpy voice welcomed him in Japanese while his eyebrows lifted in wonder, nodding appreciatively. We were honoured by the presence of our very own Ravindran Sir of Nikki Bonsai – the president of SABF, Regi Sensei Mrs. Malathi Pandurang Director Sogetsu School of Ikebana Chennai, Dr. Krishna Kumar Ret IFS, Mr. Vikram Thambusamy of Bonsai Exotica, Mr. Jalandhar Reddy of Adeniums India, Mr & Mrs Sivaji of Chennai Bonsai club, Mr. Purushothaman of Exotic Plant Nursery – In fact it was a coming together of all bonsai masters and enthusiasts under one roof. 

Coming back to the exhibits – we also had a section of Suiseki – the art of viewing rocks and stones as a natural sculpture. Our member Mr. Yuvraj is a collector who brings to life a simple stone with a story behind it. As kids we all had this habit of imagining forms in shadows and clouds. Suiseki kindles this imagination of ours to see different forms in stones. Suiseki is sculpted by Nature by the constant flow of water in streams or by the breaking and fusing of rocks by natural calamities or constant winds.

Suiseki ,stone viewing.

Bonsai was seen in different styles that were explained to some who had not known much about them. This gave a fillip to enrol in our beginner’s workshop. Two workshops that were held in two different days during the exhibition had nine members each. A power point presentation with demos and hands on experience got them excited to enrol as Bodhi members. They continue to be guided by our senior members.

Demo in progress

Enthusiastic students of the beginers class

The Annual Bonsai Magazine was released by Mr. Takahashi Muneo which contained the essence of all our efforts in spreading the joy of Bonsai as a hobby. 

Three days flew by and our passion to do more surmounted. We already started planning for the next year with new ideas popping in our brains like spluttering popcorn. We need to dig up more, chop a lot, wire and twist and do a jig before it soon is another day and ready for another show. We at Bodhi have geared up for the next with more members and renewed enthusiasm.

Annual Bonsai Exhibition Sept 30th - Oct 2nd 2025, Lalit Kala Academy, Chennai

 

Let’s go its Defence Colony Club Meet!

 by Vijaya Chamundeswari

 One of our favourite places to meet up is The Defence Colony Club. Ample car park – but that’s not the reason; Lovely spacious hall that is so airy and cool- no no no that isn’t the reason either; Oh! It’s so far away and there is this metro work diversion – doesn’t matter let’s just go; What really mattered was our friends from the colony who welcome us so warmly and feed us their yummy home-made refreshments. We are here to brush up our knowledge on Bonsai and get tips on sprucing up our little greenies. ( Pst….I better add that line or else the masters will twist my ears with a wire and clip my fingers away)

Our official ring leader George gave us tips on how to get our plants ready for the exhibition. The animated explanation, of how a wind swept can be added with an accent figure, got our cameras clicking away. Harini explained in detail about Desmodium as she liked to refer to it as and not Brya as we all commonly call it….She is a teacher you see! Then came Sheela giving an artistic twist to her engineering skills while showing her pretty Bunjin Bonsai -The Literati style. Our Dr.Yogesh in his demo brought out his exodontic skills in making an exodus of a few branches and retaining a crown while he made the plant bend over into a literati. What an interesting learning time that was. We never had to take down notes as they were all so full of clarity and we could just soak it all into our heads.

Casurina Literati in making

Literati style bonsai from members

How many of us attended you ask me? Hmmm…..123…89…..18…..actually lost count…Its DEFENCE COLONY CLUB MEET you see!

The June monthly meeting of Bodhi

By Dr. Yogesh

The Chennai Bonsai Association was held with full attendance. The highlight was an engaging  on "Broken Pot Arrangements," complemented by impressive member displays that sparked creativity. The Jade plant, ideal for Chennai’s climate, was featured as the plant of the month, and the Chinese Lantern plant also came under discussion. As always, the meeting was filled with fun, laughter, and a delightful hi-tea.

Bodhi – The Chennai Bonsai Association Celebrates World Bonsai Day

By Dr. Yogesh

It’s always a joy to share happiness with others. At Bodhi, we celebrated the spirit of bonsai and the essence of World Bonsai Day by organizing a beginner’s workshop for the public. The response was heartwarming!

The session included a lively discussion, an engaging PowerPoint presentation, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive workshops. A small but elegant bonsai display added to the charm of the event.

It was truly a memorable day for Bodhi, celebrating this great art form that symbolizes friendship and peace. Sharing knowledge and joy through the art of bonsai continues to inspire us.

Bodhi Monthly Meeting – April 2025

By Dr. Yogesh

Despite the scorching summer heat, there was a good turnout of Bodhi members at the SPACES Centre for the April meeting.

Ram gave a brief note on his recent experience at Bliss 2025, highlighting the unique energy and focus during the concentration sessions.

The highlight of the day was Suseela Ma’am’s engaging demonstration and discussion on Bougainvillea bonsai. She generously shared her magical tips for encouraging flowering in bougainvilleas, much to everyone’s delight.

Youvaraj spoke about suiseki stone collection, sharing his insights and takeaways from interactions with suiseki masters at Bliss 2025.

Dr. Yogesh introduced a new bonsai species – Antidesma (Desmodium) – and led a discussion on its care and styling potential.

Overall, it was an engaging and interactive session with active participation from Bodhi members.

Bliss 2025: Bonsai and Suiseki Convention

 Organized by the South Asia Bonsai Friendship Federation

The Bliss 2025 Bonsai and Suiseki Convention was held at the Radisson Blu Resort, Karjat, Mumbai, attracting over 200 delegates from across India and South Asia.

The event featured a distinguished lineup of eminent bonsai masters from India, Korea, Indonesia, the United States, Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and South Africa. Their demonstrations and discussions provided valuable insights into the art of bonsai.

A major highlight of the convention was the suiseki (viewing stones) segment, which included demonstrations, discussions, and lectures by renowned suiseki experts. More than 200 suiseki stones and 100 bonsai plants were showcased for public viewing.

The exhibition area was a must-see, featuring numerous stalls selling bonsai trees, accent plants, pots, display stands, and other bonsai-related materials. The Bonsai Team from Bodhi, comprising 10 members, actively participated in both the bonsai and suiseki displays.

Adding to the excitement, a special photo album was released during the convention, with five bonsai from Bodhi being selected and published in the collection.

Overall, Bliss 2025 was an enriching experience, offering attendees immense knowledge and inspiration in the world of bonsai and suiseki.