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Onam Special: Chemparathy to Tulasi to Jamanthi, 6 flowers you can use for Pookalam

What is Pookalam? How to make a perfect design? So, let's look at the many varieties of flowers utilised for Onam Pookkalam.

Onam Special 6 flowers you can use for Pookalam gcw
Author
New Delhi, First Published Aug 17, 2021, 12:17 PM IST

Onam is one of the harvest festivals celebrated by Kerala's Malayalee people. People commemorate this 10-day celebration in the month of 'Chingam' on the 22nd Nakshatra Thiruvonam, which generally occurs between August and September, according to their regional calendar.  When it comes to pastimes, one that appeals to people of all ages is Onam Pookalam, which means Onam flower rangolis or designs formed with flower petals. 

This flower Rangoli is known as 'Athapoo' since it begins on Attam, the first day of Onam, and continues till Thiruonam, the last day. Onam Pookkalam is typically circular. The first day will have one ring of Athapoo, which will expand day by day, and the rings will symbolise gods and goddesses. The flowers used for Athappookalam are likewise unique, and not all of them are used in the rangoli. So, let's look at the many varieties of flowers utilised for Onam Pookkalam.

  • Thumba, also known as Ceylon Slitwort, is a tiny white flower that is an essential component of Onam Pookalam. Thumba is the only flower used for Onam Pookalam on Attam, the first day of Onam. 
  • Tulasi: Tulasi cannot be avoided during Onam Pookalam. The green colour brightens the flowery Rangoli, while the scent calms the atmosphere.
    Onam Special 6 flowers you can use for Pookalam gcw
  • Chethi, also known as the Flame of the Woods, is a scarlet flower that gives the Pookkalam a vivid and magnificent appearance. It is one of the flowers for Onam floral Rangoli that is readily accessible, and it adds to the overall attractiveness of the rings.
    Onam Special 6 flowers you can use for Pookalam gcw
  • Chemparathy, also known as Hibiscus or Shoe Flower, is a dark crimson flower that, like Chethi, adds a brilliant touch to the Onam floral carpet. It's a fairly common flower that the inhabitants of south India utilise for a variety of reasons.

Onam Special 6 flowers you can use for Pookalam gcw

  • Shankupushpam, also known as Butterfly Pea, is a flower with a blue and yellow centre that is one of the most popular flowers used in Onam floral Rangoli. This flower may be found in nearly every area of Kerala, and it blooms magnificently during Onam.
     
  • Jamanthi, Marigold, or Chrysanthemum: Jamanthi, which comes in a variety of colours, is important in Athapookalam. It is available in yellow, white, red, and orange. This gives the Pookkalam a captivating appearance.

Onam Special 6 flowers you can use for Pookalam gcw

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