Star lanterns made by Kollam-based Josarts usher in X’mas festivities all over India
The Hindu
Established in 1945 by Mangalorean Joseph D’Souza, St. Joseph’s Art Industries in Kollam was perhaps the first to begin printing greeting cards in Kerala before moving on to paper lanterns
As a child, I used to collect Christmas cards. Pop-up cards, shiny ones with glitter, those with cute pictures of lambs, angels with lacy wings, Santa Claus, Christmas lanterns and also those of white Christmases in far-away lands. Little did I know that the greeting cards with beautifully depicted silent nights, angels et al were made in sultry Kollam, 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
On a trip to Tillery, Kollam, I visited Josarts where the first greeting cards are said to have been printed in Kerala. Today, it is famous for its star-shaped lanterns that have buyers from all across India and abroad during Christmas season.
Also read: