Pookkalam ( Floral Rangoli ) is one of the most prominent aspects of the Onam festival. It’s the creation of intricate and colorful designs, Malayalees decorate at the entrances of their homes with beautiful patterns made from various types of flowers. Each day of the festival, the size and complexity of the Pookkalam increase, reaching its pinnacle on the tenth and final day ending with Onam.
Pookkalams showcase rich social and cultural heritage and hold significant symbolism, in addition to their captivating beauty. Its design conveys the DNA it shares with other floral designs found in other parts of India like rangoli carpets, showcasing its rich historical heritage. Furthermore, Pookalams are followed by the cleaning of homes, they bring together multiple people, and are also symbolic of being one with nature – therefore, it is heavily associated with the prosperity, sanctity, and harmony of families and the community as a whole.
The tradition of laying the Onam Pookalam (floral carpet) begins, marked by Atham Nakshatram in the month of Chingam on the Malayalam calendar. ( Chingam 21, this year 1200 on the Malayalam calendar), and culminates on the 10th day of Tiruvonam. This year Onam is celebrated between the 6th to 15th of September 2024.
Day 1: Kashumala**
The first day’s floral design marked by Atham Nakshatra is inspired by the Kashumala necklace, a cherished piece of jewelry symbolizing grace and heritage passed down through generations.
Kashumala is believed to represent Goddess Lakshmi, the
goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. "Kashu" refers to
the gold coins used to craft the necklace.
Day 2: Mani Mala**
On the second day of Onam, marked by Chithra Nakshatra the Pookkalam (floral carpet) is offered in reverence to Lord Ganesha on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
The featured jewelry is the Mani Mala, a simple yet elegant necklace made of gold ball-shaped beads. Traditionally worn by women in Kerala, this timeless piece adds grace to everyday attire, symbolizing beauty in simplicity. In Pookkalam, the Mani Mala is displayed as the crown of Lord Ganapathy.
Day 3 : Pathakkam / Addil*
The third day of Onam festivities falls on Chothi Nakshatram and Pookkalam is themed on another traditional necklace called Pathakkam or Addil.
Addil is a traditional necklace women wear in Kerala, especially during important cultural and religious occasions.
The Addil typically consists of a central pendant
known as the "Pathakkam", which is often large and intricately
designed, surrounded by a chain of smaller gold or gem-encrusted elements.
Day 4 : Thalikkoottam
Vishakham Nakshatram falls on Day 4 of the Onam festivities. Pookkalam (floral carpet) is laid with local flowers that are traditionally plucked from the wild during the Onam season. The flowers used today are Chembarathi (hibiscus), thechi (Ixora), chembakam (frangipani), and manja arali (yellow bell flower). To suit this local practice, a very traditional ornament called Thalikoottam is presented.. Thali means the Mangalsutra pendant and Koottam means grouping. Thalikoottam thus means a necklace formed by a group of Thalis strung together to form an exquisite piece of jewelry. The Thalikoottam is displayed in an Uruli (traditional brass round bowl).
Day 5: Jhimikki*
Anizham Nakshatram marks the fifth day of Onam celebrations.
Pookkalam is themed around *Jhimikki* (also known as *Jhumka* in Hindi), a beloved piece of traditional jewelry. Fun fact: the *Jhimikki* gained widespread fame through the popular song "Ente Ammede Jhimikki Kammal" (My Mother’s Jhimikki Earring)! π
A *Jhimikki* is a traditional Indian earring, often
large, ornate, and dangling. These earrings are typically worn by Malayali
women as part of traditional South Indian attire. They come in various designs
and are commonly crafted from gold, silver, or other metals, often embellished
with gemstones or pearls.
Day 6: Nagapadam*
Triketta Nakshatram marks the sixth day of the grand Onam celebration. As the festival draws closer to its culmination, Kerala is filled with a palpable sense of joy and jubilation.
*Pookkalam* (floral carpet) features the iconic *Nagapadam* necklace, a traditional piece of jewelry often paired with the classic off-white and gold *Mundu Veshti*( Traditional Kerala Dress ).. This lovely combination takes center stage in the floral design symbolizing the deep-rooted traditions of Kerala.
The *Nagapadam* derives its name from the serpent’s hood
(*naga*), with the centerpiece shaped like a cobra’s hood, representing protection
and power. Adorned with green gemstones, this exquisite necklace is typically
worn during special occasions, signifying auspiciousness and prosperity.
Day 7: Palakka*
Moolam Nakshatram marks the seventh day of the 10-day Onam festival, a day rich in tradition and devotion.
Showcased here is the Palakka necklace, famously worn by Baby Krishna, or Unnikannan, the revered deity of Guruvayur.
According to folklore, the origins of Palakka jewelry trace back to the Dwapara Yuga, when Lord Krishna walked the earth. The design is believed to be inspired by the Pala tree (Milkwood Pine), with the necklace’s signature leaf-shaped motifs resembling the tree’s leaves.
The highlight is the Vyaali Palakka, where the mythical
Vyaali—an emblem of power and protection—takes center stage. This fierce,
lion-like figure is intricately carved and embossed into the heart of the
Palakka design, making it both a symbol of beauty and strength.
Day 8: Mullamottu*
The eighth day of Onam, marked by the Pooradam Nakshatram, is when King Mahabali is traditionally invited to visit the homes of his people.
For this day’s Pookkalam (floral carpet), the theme is inspired by the Mullamottu Mala (which means "Jasmine Buds Garland"). The jasmine buds, represented by white flowers, symbolize purity and simplicity and are central to today's floral design.
A "Mullamottu Necklace" refers to a jewelry design inspired by the arrangement of jasmine buds in a garland-like fashion. Known for its intricate craftsmanship, this design mirrors the delicate and graceful appearance of jasmine flowers, offering a blend of elegance and natural beauty.
Day 9: Navaratna Mothiram (Ring)*
Uthradam is the ninth day of the 10-day Onam festival known as the Onam Eve. It is a day of preparation for the grand Onam festival, for the last day.
Today's Pookkalam is inspired by the Navaratna Mothiram, believed to bring four-fold blessings: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. According to Vedic astrology, women wear the ring on their left hand, and men on their right.
The Navaratna Mothiram features nine gems,
each representing a celestial body in Vedic astrology, and is said to bring
good fortune and balance planetary energies.
Onam 2024 – Day 10 – Thiruvonam is the
last day of the 10-day Onam festival which culminates on Thiruvonam Nakshatram
on the Malayalam calendar. A few traditional pieces like Poothali, Ilakkathali, Puliyamothiram, and Kazhuthila are missed here. On Thiruvonam a traditional Pookkalam with the Thrikkakkara Appan deity in the
centre. Thrikkakara Appan is the presiding deity at the famous Thrikkakara
temple in Ernakulam, which is closely associated with Onam. It is believed that
Vamana had sent Mahabali to this place where the holy feet (Trikkaal) of Maha Vishnu
were touched – and thus this spot.
I was not aware till I read this post the nine designs of the pookolam.
ReplyDeleteThe creations call for skill, dedication and devotion.
May this festival bring abundance in happiness and prosperity.
The details provided about pookkalam is my first hand knowledge. Never knew this. Thanks for bringing out here.PKR
ReplyDeleteOh ! There is so much to the simple Onam Pookalam !!--Murali Kodungallur
ReplyDelete