Pookalam is an integral part of Onam decorations. These are made on the floor like rangoli or alpana — but with flowers. These vibrant and intricate floral arrangements are often made at the entrance of the house to welcome people. The word ‘pookalam’ translates to ‘flower garland’ in Malayalam. In a Malayali home, during Onam, members of the family get together to make this beautiful arrangement of flowers and leaves. Not only homes, even entrances of temples and other public places are also adorned with these pookalams. If you are planning on learning and making this beautiful piece of art, then here are five stunning pookalam ideas from Instagram to inspire you this Onam.
Old is gold
Going the traditional way is the best way to connect to any festival. Traditional pookalam designs are intricate patterns and motifs usually seen in geometric shapes, floral patterns, and curved lines. Some sacred symbols, like the lotus, conch shell and chakra can be seen as well. The different shades of colours are brought about using natural materials like flower petals, leaves, and more, which add an earthy touch to the art. Here’s a reel by @jithinmr on how to make a traditional pookalam.
Use only flowers
The purpose of a pookalam is to spread joy with its beautiful and colourful designs. If you want your Pookalam to look a little different, you can use flowers apart from the regular marigolds and roses. Instead of the petals, you can use the whole flowers to make a pretty pookalam like @bindumathewofficial. No need to remove the petals, the flowers go as they are — helping them retain their colour and freshness a little longer. You can also use flowers from your garden to make this pookalam.
Add a modernist touch
If you like abstract art that does not follow any rule, isn’t symmetrical and takes form as the artist’s thoughts flow, then you can check out this pookalam-making reel by @sreejithjeevan. He lets his thoughts take over his pookalam where he tries to depict the Ganga. Pretty flowers come together, making a fascinating design that breaks all rules of a traditional pookalam.
Upcycled pookalam
This pookalam will last longer than the regular ones. @simply_art_n_craftshala ditches the regular flowers and leaves for her pookalam. She upcycles newspapers to make a colourful pookalam that might last for even for a few Onams. If you do not have access to fresh flowers and leaves, this is one way to still make this Onam-special art. It is also a great alternative to the traditional pookalams if you have pets at home.
A touch of tech
Are you a lover of technology? Then you can make your love reflect in your pookalam, too, just like @asan_hobby. The digital creator has taken their creativity a step further and added some movement to their art. Their pookalam depicts King Mahabali returning on a boat with rowers rowing in the sea. The hands of the rowers move with the help of mechanics. While they have used 3D printers to take cut-outs of the figures, you can use hard cardboard. A little tech knowledge about motors can uplift your Onam celebration this year. Check out the reel now and get started!
