Poozhikkunnu in Thiruvananthapuram has been celebrating Onam with floral carpets for 38 years

Poozhikunnu, a few kilometres away from the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, has for long been known for its cracker-making units. But the village has another tradition to its credit — residents have been laying huge pookkalams on all 10 days of Onam for 38 years now.

This is being done under the auspices of a people’s forum, 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 feet long and 18 feet wide, is laid on a huge platform of sand, known as the athathattu, the surface of which is smoothened with cow dung. Two floral arrangements are made every day on this platform. One portion has the traditional pookkalam, while, in the other has a floral arrangement that represents a deity, monument, or figures related to religion.

“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 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 executive committee of the Pourasamithi coordinates the activities.

Pookkalam being laid at Poozhikkunnu in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
Sreejith R Kumar

The flowers are brought daily from the huge flower market at Thovala in Kanyakumari, around 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 prices of flowers is a cause of worry. But they have chosen to carry forward the tradition. “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 adds.

The flowers usually used are marigold, chrysanthemum, roses, vadamalli (bachelors’ button), tube rose, besides the greens.

Cultural programmes, performances by children, games and public meeting are conducted as part of the celebration. On Onam eve, Uthradam, new clothes (Onakkodi) and an Onam kit comprising vegetables and provisions will be distributed to 200 people chosen by the residents’ associations. Thumbithullal, a ritualistic art form that is fast getting extinct, will be performed on Thiruvonam day. “The women take fast for a few days prior to take part in Thumbithullal,” Anu adds.

The artist working on the pookkalam at Poozhikkunnu in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
Sreejith R Kumar

Even though Thiruvananthapuram has clubs and cultural forums that lay giant pookkalams, they make it only on Thiruvonam day unlike Poozhikkunnu residents who lay the pookkalam throughout the festival. “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.