Poozhikunnu, a couple of kilometres away from the guts of Thiruvananthapuram, has for lengthy been recognized for its cracker-making items. But the village has one other custom to its credit score — residents have been laying enormous pookkalams on all 10 days of Onam for 38 years now.
This is being accomplished below the auspices of a folks’s discussion board, Poozhikkunnu Pourasamithi. “The practice is actually older than that, probably 45 years or so. Before the Pourasamithi took it up, a group of senior citizens used to conduct pookkalam-laying contests, which saw the participation of groups from in and around Poozhikkunnu. The competition was stopped after the formation of the Pourasamithi. Instead, the people of Poozhikkunnu come together to lay one big floral carpet,” says Anu Sreedharan, joint secretary of the Pourasamithi.
Pookkalam making in progress at Poozhikkunnu in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
SREEJITH R KUMAR
The pookkalam, 25 toes lengthy and 18 toes huge, is laid on an enormous platform of sand, often known as the athathattu, the floor of which is smoothened with cow dung. Two floral preparations are made each day on this platform. One portion has the standard pookkalam, whereas, in the opposite has a floral association that represents a deity, monument, or figures associated to faith.
“People of all faiths partake in the festivities and that is why we make floral arrangement representing their religion. Each day’s pookkalam has a sponsor and, in some cases, more than one. This includes institutions, business establishments and individuals,” he says.
The Pourasamithi has members who belong to totally different walks of life. “Most of them are daily wage labourers. Everyone in Poozhikkunnu works together for the smooth conduct of the 10-day event.” The government committee of the Pourasamithi coordinates the actions.
Pookkalam being laid at Poozhikkunnu in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
Sreejith R Kumar
The flowers are introduced every day from the massive flower market at Thovala in Kanyakumari, round 100 kilometres from Poozhikkunnu. “The flowers for a particular day’s pookkalam are bought the previous day. Once the flowers get here, the young and old from across Poozhikkunnu would turn up to separate the petals or cut them. We start early and are done by daybreak. While the design for the traditional pookkalam is finalised by us, the one for the other pookkalam is sometimes suggested by the sponsor. We have a group of artists to draw the designs.”
The sky-rocketing costs of flowers is a explanation for fear. But they’ve chosen to hold ahead the custom. “Sometimes flowers for one day alone would cost ₹20,000. The amount goes up once you add the travel and transport expenses. We also pay a small amount to the artists because they cannot go for work during these days. We also conduct poojas near the pookkalam on all days,” he provides.
The flowers normally used are marigold, chrysanthemum, roses, vadamalli (bachelors’ button), tube rose, in addition to the greens.
Cultural programmes, performances by kids, video games and public assembly are carried out as a part of the celebration. On Onam eve, Uthradam, new garments (Onakkodi) and an Onam equipment comprising greens and provisions shall be distributed to 200 folks chosen by the residents’ associations. Thumbithullal, a ritualistic artwork type that’s quick getting extinct, shall be carried out on Thiruvonam day. “The women take fast for a few days prior to take part in Thumbithullal,” Anu provides.
The artist engaged on the pookkalam at Poozhikkunnu in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
Sreejith R Kumar
Even although Thiruvananthapuram has golf equipment and cultural boards that lay big pookkalams, they make it solely on Thiruvonam day not like Poozhikkunnu residents who lay the pookkalam all through the pageant. “We made the pookkalam even during the pandemic but did not conduct other celebrations. We did not want to break the tradition. As years go by, the excitement and enthusiasm are on the rise. It is a people’s festival in every sense,” Anu says.
