Onam 2023: What Is Pookalam? Know The Importance Of This Floral Design During Onam
During Onam celebrations, pookalam or athapookalam, is a rangoli made with fresh flowers in various intricate designs.
They are generally circular in shape and often adorned with a lamp n the center.
'Poo' is a flower, and 'Kolam' is a decorative design. Pookalams are designed at home and in public places to honour King Mahabali.
While a traditional pookalam is made up of ten flowers, people, nowadays, use any type of flower that is available to make multiple rings.
According to legend, each floral ring is dedicated to deities such as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.
And, also to their sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu's Vamana Avatar, and King Mahabali.
Onam is a harvest festival that takes place in the month of Chingam and lasts 10 days.
During these ten days, the festival includes a variety of fun activities such as Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), and Onathappan (worship).