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

Pozhikunnu, a few kilometers away from the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, has long been known for its cracker making units. But the village has another tradition for the loan – the inhabitants are very big POOKKALAMS For 38 years in 10 days of Onam.

This is done under the auspices of a Folk Forum Pooozhikkunnu Pourasamithi. “The application is actually older than that, probably about 45 years. Before Pourasamithi took it, POOKKALAM-POOZHİKKUNNU and the surrounding groups. After the formation of Pourasamithi, the competition was stopped. Instead, the people of Pouzahikkunnu come together to put a large flower carpet, Pourasamithi joint secretary Anu Sreedharan.

POOKKALAM Thiruvananthapuram continues in Pozhikkunnu | Photo Loan: Sreejith R gambling

. POOKKALAMIt is thrown into a large sand platform with 25 feet length and 18 feet wide, Athathattu, The surface is softened with cow manure. Two flower arrangements are made every day on this platform. Traditional POOKKALAMIn the other, there is a flower arrangement that represents a god, monument or figures related to religion.

“People of all beliefs are participating in festivals and therefore we make a flower arrangement representing their religion. Every day POOKKALAM A sponsor and in some cases multiple. This includes institutions, workplaces and individuals. ”

Pourasamithi has members of different life walks. “Most daily wage workers. Everyone in Pozhikkunnu works together for the trouble -free behavior of the 10 -day activity.” The Pourasamithi Executive Committee coordinates activities.

POOKKALAM Lying in Pozhikkunnu in Thiruvananthapuram | Photo Loan: Sreejith R gambling

Flowers are about 100 kilometers from Pozhikkunnu from the big flower market in Thovala in Kanyakumari every day. “Flowers of a certain day POOKKALAM The previous day is purchased. After the flowers came here, young and elderly people from all over Pozhikkunnu would appear to separate or cut the leaves. We start early and are done with Daybreak. Design for traditional POOKKALAM ended by us, one for the other POOKKALAM Sometimes recommended by the sponsor. We have a group of artists to draw the designs. “

Sky rocket prices of flowers are a cause of concern. But they chose to put forward the tradition. “Sometimes the flowers cost 20,000 for only one day. After adding travel and transportation costs, the amount increases. We also pay a small amount of artists because they cannot go to work these days. POOKKALAM All days, ”he adds.

Generally used flowers are marigold, chryanthemum, roses, Valley (Bachelors’ button), tube rose, as well as greens.

Cultural programs are carried out as part of the celebration of children’s performances, games and public meeting. Consent home, uthradam, new clothes (Onakkodiciand a consent kit of vegetables and provisions shall be distributed to 200 people selected by the residents associations. Thumbithullal, a rapidly extinct ritual art form, will be held on Thiruvonam Day. Anu adds fast a few days before joining Thumbithullal, Anu Anu adds.

Artist POOKKALAM In POOZHİKKUNNU in Thiruvananthapuram | Photo Loan: Sreejith R gambling

Although thiruvananthapuram has clubs and cultural forums that put giant pookkalam, they do only Thiruvonam, unlike POOFHİKKUNNU residents who left Pookkalam during the festival. “We did POOKKALAM Even during my pandem, but I didn’t make any other celebrations. We didn’t want to break the tradition. As the years go by, excitement and enthusiasm are increasing. A human festival in every sense, Anu says Anu.