Pookkalam ( Floral Rangoli ) is one of the most prominent aspects of the Onam festival. 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. Also, 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 10, this year 1201 on the Malayalam calendar), and culminates on the 10th day of Tiruvonam. This year, Onam is celebrated between the 26th of August and to 5th of September 2025.
Each of the Stars (Nakshatram) on these 10 days is associated with honouring a deity and is worshipped. Here it goes...
Day-1 Star -Atham initiates the Onam festivities honouring the legendary King Mahabali. Atham sets a tone of joy, unity and creativity for the following days. This year, it is also associated with Gowri Ganesh Pooja, a significant ritual where devotees worship Goddess Gowri and Lord Ganesha.
Day-2 Star -Chithira is the 14th lunar mansion in Vedic astrology. In the context of Onam, Chitra holds significance as it’s associated with Lord Ganesh, who symbolises wisdom, strength, and good luck, while his large ears represent the importance of listening and learning.
Day- 3 Star - Chithra, the third day of Onam, extending from yesterday, and honouring the significance of Lord Krishna, symbolising the power of protection and preservation. Let us reflect on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and protecting the environment.
Day- 4 Star- Chothi is associated with Lord Vayu. Lord Vayu symbolises formlessness, freedom, movement, independence, and flexibility. Vayu forms the foundation of our ability to breathe. Today’s pookkalam represents Om, as the core component of Pranayama breath practices. Vibrations of chanting Om stimulate limitless life.
Day -5 Star Vishakham is the 16th lunar mansion and is often associated with Lord Subramanya, also known as Kartikeya or Murugan. Lord Subramanya is revered as the divine son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, symbolising the union of masculine and feminine energies. He’s often depicted as a brave warrior, riding His peacock and wielding a vel (spear), representing victory and courage in the face of adversity. In the context of Onam, Lord Subramanya’s significance can be linked to the themes of courage, wisdom and spiritual growth, which are often celebrated during festivities.
Day -6 Star-Anizham is considered to be blissful and auspicious for Anizham-born devotees to visit Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala. The Pookkalam today represents 18 holy steps leading to the Sanctum, representing various spiritual journeys of human nature. Each step has symbolic meaning with common interpretations including the Five senses, the Eight passions(Ashtangas), Three qualities (Thrigunas) and knowledge (Vidya) versus ignorance( Avidya). Successfully crossing these 18 steps is seen as achieving a state of spiritual readiness, allowing the pilgrim to receive the Darshan of Lord Ayyappa.
Day -7 Star-Thrikketta is associated with Lord Indra, the lord of the gods and is considered to be the protector of intellectual abilities. Pookkalam today represents the significance of symmetry, reflecting the balance and harmony that are essential to life. It reminds us of the importance of finding equilibrium in our thoughts, words and actions, which alone can cultivate a sense of balance, harmony and beauty that reflects the perfection of the universe.
Day - 8 Star-Moolam is associated with Lord Hanuman. Moolam is the 19th star as per the Hindu calendar and is considered to possess spiritual and mystical energies. Lord Hanuman is known for his strength, devotion and selfless service. He is also a symbol of loyalty, courage and spiritual growth. Pookkalam today depicts the symbol Gada or mace associated with Hanuman, representing strength and inner power that comes from devotion, self-discipline and resilience.
Day - 9 Star- Pooradam is linked to Lord Varuna, the deity of cosmic waters. Pooradam is symbolised with a winnowing basket or a tusk of an elephant. It also acknowledges the majestic elephants that hold a special place in Kerala’s cultural heritage. Elephants are an integral part of Kerala’s traditions, particularly temple festivals, where they are adorned with intricate caparisons and participate in grand processions. They are considered as symbols of prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual growth. Elephants are a staple in Kerala’s festivals, like Trissur Pooram, where more than 30 decorated elephants are stationed or paraded through the streets accompanied by traditional music and dance. Kerala has a unique phenomenon of elephant clubs, where devotees passionately follow and admire specific elephants like the legendary Guruvayoor Kesavan, to the new generation's tallest tusker, Thechikkat Rmachandran. Let’s cherish the bond to thrive and inspire the future generations.
Day- 10 -Uthradam, this year, the tenth day of Onam, respects the powerful Sun God, symbolising His radiant energy and its profound impact on our lives. In Pookkalam, Sun, as the ultimate source of energy that nourishes our planet and sustains life, is represented in different forms.
The Sun also depicts inner light, guiding us towards self-realisation and awakening. Shine bright like the Sun, spreading warmth, positivity, and joy wherever you go. May the light spread…..
Happy ONAM to all !!!
