Thrissur Unveils Giant Floral Carpet to Mark Onam Celebrations

Speedy Summary

• Thrissur’s Thekkinkadu Maidan celebrated Atham day, marking the start of Onam, with a massive floral carpet (Pookkalam) spanning 60 ft in diameter.
• Over 1,500 kg of fresh flowers were used to create the intricate design by Sayahna Souhruda Kootayma (Evening Friendship Forum), continuing a tradition upheld for 17 years.
• Shoby T. Varghese, the forum’s general convener, emphasized their commitment to welcoming Onam with dedication and grandeur.
• Work began at dawn and concluded by morning. The vibrant Pookkalam attracted crowds who took selfies and shared images widely on social media.
• Celebrations included a conventional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Mayor M.K. Varghese and Chief Judicial Magistrate ramya menon.
• A Kaikottikali dance performance featuring over 100 women added to the festivities, led by former Mayor Ajitha Vijayan and Lawyers’ Association convener Deepa Kumaran.
• Thrissur affirmed its role as Kerala’s cultural hub for Onam celebrations.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The creation of the giant Pookkalam symbolizes both cultural preservation and communal effort during Kerala’s iconic festival season. Events such as Thrissur’s Atham celebrations showcase local traditions while fostering intergenerational participation rooted in shared heritage – strengthening community ties beyond entertainment value.Symbolically laden rituals like traditional dances or lamp-lighting ceremonies amplify pride in regional identity while drawing visitors into Kerala’s famed hospitality. Social media buzz further demonstrates how such festivities merge heritage with modern platforms for visibility, enhancing cultural tourism prospects. these efforts highlight how festivals act as anchors preserving India’s diverse yet unifying traditions.

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