Pookalam for onam
How is Pookalam Made (Floral Carpet)? How to make Pookalam for Onam festival?
Making of Pookalam is a tradition followed by the people of Kerala, during the ten days of the festival. This is done to welcome their benevolent legendary king – Mahabali, as he visits Kerala every year on Onam.
Pookalam could be simple as well as intricate floral designs which are laid in the front courtyard of the house to welcome King Mahabali, on the wonderful occasion of Onam. Read on to know more about Onam Pookalam.
Pookalam is traditionally made using flowers. Pookalam is the art of designing floral carpets. Making of Pookalam is itself a colorful and joyous event. Various flowers are used on each day as a specific flower is dedicated to each day of Onam. Lots of flowers, dedication, creativity, technique and team effort are the basic essential of an eye catching Pookalam.
However, in the modern time, especially at Pookalam competitions, people make use of leaves and sepals (cut into small pieces) of the big flowers. Shredded coconut and artificial colors have become a part of the Pookalam, though they are not permitted in most of the competitions.
People in Kerala, who have been making the floral carpet since a long time, would start laying the flowers by conceiving the design in mind. On the other hand, the amateurs would draw a sketch of the design and fill the outline with flowers. Earlier, people used to collect flowers for designing a Pookalam. Flowers gathered in their small basket from the village gardens. These days, the trend has changed and people have the option of buying flowers from the market in the shape and color of their choice.
Onam 2013 date is September 16.