New Delhi: Onam, the harvest festival celebrated by the Hindus in Kerala, welcomes King Mahabali. This year, it begins on August 16 and ends on August 26.
The most vibrant part of the festivity is making colourful pookalam, or floral carpets. Pookalam is not just about flower decoration. It symbolises abundance, joy, and the welcoming spirit of Onam. The festival marks the end of the monsoon as well as the arrival of the Malayalam New Year.
Pookalam usually consists of 10 little rings representing different deities. While the first ring symbolises Lord Ganesha, the second, Shiva and Shakti, the third, Lord Shiva, the fourth, Brahma, the fifth, Pancha Boothangal, the sixth, Shanmughan and Muruga, the seventh, Guru, the eighth, Ashta Digpalakar, the ninth, Lord Indra, and the last, Lord Vishnu.
Flowers used in Pookalam
Traditionally, on the first day, only one flower is used; on the second day, two different colours are used, and on the final day, ten different colours are used. In making pookalam, flowers such as Ceylon slitwort, little tree plant, holy basil, hibiscus, jungle geranium, morning glory, pagoda flower, golden trumpet, crossandra, marigold, bride’s tears, and balsam are used.
Easy Onam Pookalam designs
1. Pookalam with cultural elements
Incorporating cultural elements that display the pride of Kerala in making Onam Pookalam is a great idea to match the festive vibe. Designs including Kathakali and Thiruvathira Kali are perfect.
2. Geometric Pookalam patterns
A basic circular design is a great starting point, but you can also create beautiful geometric patterns like checkerboards or starbursts.
3. Pookkalam based on mythology
Onam celebrates the return of King Mahabali to the home of devotees. Incorporating his face in the Pookalam design will be amazing.
4. Peacock motif Pookalam
The peacock is an auspicious bird in Sanatan Dharma. So, a Pookalam design with a peacock as the motif looks enchanting.
5. Pookalam with elephant motif
The elephant is a symbol of Kerala’s rich culture and tradition. It represents royalty and grandeur, particularly through the famous elephant processions held during the festival. Incorporating elephant motifs in the pookalam is a way to add a meaningful and artistic touch. Lord Ganesh is also known as the elephant-headed deity. So, incorporating the God in the Pookalam design is a wonderful idea.
With these easy and beautiful Pookalam design ideas, you are all set to welcome King Mahabali as well as your guests to celebrate Onam!
