Kerala - Kochi   

When flowers beckon

Pookkalam, the floral adornment, heralds the advent of Onam. The convention continues even today. But flowers are scarce unlike in the past when a variety of colours bloomed in the courtyards. Malayalis have adopted the practical way of preparing pookkalams with flowers bought from the market.

Onam season has witnessed large-scale arrival of flowers from the neighbouring States in recent years. As the demand goes up, the prices too start spiralling. The cost varies from Rs.80 per kg depending on the variety. Whatever be the cost, there are enough takers. Wayside flower sale is a big business these days.

The competition, as in any other activity, is brisk here too. Unnikrishnan, owner of a flower mart in Kochi, has found a novel way to attract customers. He has crafted a pookkalam from the artificial flowers arriving from China. The pookkalam, made on a readymade round platform, costs Rs.200. The hassle-free floral pattern can be transported easily and used as a convenient substitute for the original pookkalam.

R. Ramabhadran Pillai

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