Onam has cultural and traditional significance in Kerala. Onam the harvest festival of Kerala marks the beginning of a new era. It is a period of prosperity and enthusiasm. Onam the 10 days celebration begins on Atham and ends on Thiruvonam. It is believed that Mahabali comes to visit his people during Onam.
Onam celebrations start by drawing pookkalam,pookalam is an arrangement of flowers laid on the floor. It is considered to be a ritual in every family during Onam. People decorate their homes and streets with floral carpets. The Athachamayam procession in Thipoonithura is a spectacular event. Pookkalam is done to welcome Mahabali. The sight of pookkalam is a great pleasure.
Earlier Dasapushpam, 10 kinds of flowers, and locally available flowers were used to decorate athapookkalam. Thumpa, chethi, chemparathi , sankhupushpam, jamanthi, thulasi, mandaram, vadamalli and arali pookal are used in pookkalam. Today people buy flowers from shops. Pookalam has multiple rings, each round is made to honor Lord Siva. In the center keep Onathappan, is a clay pyramid structure.
Various Pookalam competitions are conducted in connection with Onam celebrations. In houses children especially girls put simple pookkalam with available flowers. People in schools, colleges, and other places make Athapookkalam with colorful flower petals.
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