Onam Pookalam Threshold art of Kerala

Onam Pookalam, also known as flower Rangoli, is a traditional floor art practice of Kerala and is locally referred to as Athipoo. The term Pookalam is derived from two Malayalam words: poov, meaning flowers, and kalam, denoting a decorative, often circular or geometric, design created on the ground. These intricate compositions are made using fresh flowers and petals and are regarded as highly auspicious.

Pookalam is created during the festival of Onam, which marks the traditional New Year in Kerala. The festival is celebrated in honour of the legendary ruler King Mahabali, who is believed to return annually to visit his kingdom and people. According to tradition, this visit takes place on New Year’s Day as a result of a boon granted to him by Vamana, an incarnation of Vishnu. For the remainder of the year, Mahabali is said to reside in patal lok, the netherworld. The creation of Pookalam thus serves as a symbolic gesture of welcome, reflecting devotion, hospitality, and collective cultural memory embedded within the festival of Onam. This tradition of floor design originated in the temples . The deities and their surroundings were decorated with flowers. During the time of Onam, there are a plenty of flowers that bloom, this gives people the creative freedom to express their own narratives using these flowers.

Process

The making of an Onam Pookalam begins with the placement of a small mound of cow dung at the centre of the designated space, which is then covered with flowers. Surrounding this core, a large geometric pattern is first outlined on the ground using chalk powder. Once the framework is complete, the enclosed sections are carefully filled with leaves and flower petals of varying colours, arranged according to a planned colour scheme. The completed Pookalam becomes the focal point of domestic and community celebration. Young girls of the household traditionally dance around it to the rhythmic beats of drums. The combined sensory experience—the fragrance of fresh flowers, the sound of percussion, and the atmosphere of joy marked by smiles and laughter—transforms the ritual into a vibrant and immersive expression of festivity and cultural continuity.

Flowers used for Onam Pookalam include:

• Thumba (Ceylon slitwort): A small white flower that forms the main component of the Onam Pookalam. Thumba is traditionally the only flower used on Attam, the first day of Onam.
• Vishu flower (Cassia fistula / Attam kanikonna): A flower closely associated with Kerala and used as a symbol of Vishu Kani, an important Hindu ritual marking auspicious beginnings.
• Tulsi (sacred basil): Tulsi leaves are an essential element of the Pookalam. In addition to adding green colour, they contribute fragrance and a sense of serenity.
• Chethi (flame of the woods): This flower provides a bright red colour to the Pookalam and is often regarded as the official flower of Onam.
• Jamanthi (marigold): One of the most commonly used flowers in Onam Pookalam. Its red, yellow, white, and orange varieties add vibrancy and visual richness.
• Sankhupushpam (butterfly pea): Blue flowers with a yellow centre that enhance the colour contrast and overall brilliance of the Pookalam.
• Chemparthy (hibiscus): Used to introduce deep red tones into the floral composition.
• Mandaram: A flower with large white petals that adds freshness and balance to the design.
• Mukuthi: Contributes yellow accents to the Pookalam.
• Kongini (lantana): A small flower available in red, blue, orange, yellow, and white. It is one of the most popular flowers used for Onam Pookalam due to its colour variety and easy availability.

Apart from these, there are many other locally available flowers and leaves that are used, such as

• Kereedan
• Pumpkin flowers
• Chrysanthemums
• Jasmine
• Tube roses
• Asters
• Bachelor’s buttons

In order to make the boundaries and do the finishing, sometimes whole flowers or green leaves are used. Apart from flowers, we also see the use of cereals and lentils of different colors in order to fill the design.