Kerala   

Saying it with flowers

It is the season of flowers in God's Own Country and institutions and organisations are falling over themselves to organise Athapookalam competitions. The markets are a riot of colours as flower merchants stock up in anticipation of the heightened demand during the season.

The skyrocketing price of flowers is no dampener. Even local varieties such the Arali and Pichi are much in demand. Most of the flowers reaching the city markets are sourced from Thovala and other places in Tamil Nadu. Flower merchants are competing with each other to provide better varieties in more colours.

This year also, Athapookalam competitions have found corporate sponsors. Oil companies such as Bharath Petroleum and major retail outlets have come forward to sponsor prizes for the winners. Arts clubs, youth organisations and residents associations are vying with each other to present innovative methods of floral design.

T. NANDAKUMAR

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