Home / Arts and Entertainment / Pookalam: More Than Flowers, It's Family Bonding
Pookalam: More Than Flowers, It's Family Bonding
19 Aug
Summary
- Pookalam creation is a cherished family ritual symbolizing togetherness and festive spirit.
- Actress Raveena recalls buying flowers with her late father at Koyambedu market.
- Both actresses find deep personal meaning in the traditional flower art of Onam.
For actress Iswarya Menon, Onam memories are intrinsically linked to the creation of pookalam, the traditional floral carpet. She views the intricate designs as a symbol of family togetherness, filled with laughter and a festive atmosphere, and a way to welcome Mahabali.
Raveena Ravi, a Chennai-based actress, fondly remembers her late father accompanying her to the Koyambedu flower market to select blossoms for the pookalam. She would craft these designs while her parents prepared the Onam sadhya.
While Iswarya prefers symmetrical designs with vibrant colors, she believes the inherent beauty of the flowers makes every combination unique. Raveena, on the other hand, experimented with using leftover coconut for white patterns and even incorporated lamps into her designs, a departure from typical Kerala pookalam aesthetics.
Raveena's tradition of pookalam making paused after her father's passing, as the emotional connection to the Koyambedu market became too difficult. She expresses a hope to find the strength to resume this year, though her current responsibilities feeding stray cats might present a challenge.
