One of the most enduring symbols of Onam, the pookkalam took centre stage in what was a test of the participants’ creativity, team work and quick-thinking. From the word go, the hall was a beehive of activity.

With fewer varieties of flowers in their hands than they would have liked, the team from State Bank of India (SBI) zonal office, led by Padmakumar, had only past experiences to draw on. It stood them in good stead and the team ended up bagging the first prize of Rs.20,000. “We expected a consolation prize but the first prize came as a surprise,” he said.

While some stuck to simple patterns, others tried their hand at being innovative. The second team from SBI decided to depict Onakkali in their pookkalam.

Still others tried to depict God’s Own Country and its boat races, Maveli complete with his ‘olakuda,’ and the ‘onasadya.’

But not everyone sets store by innovation.

The second prize-winning team from Railway Institute, Poojappura, led by Rajan, wanted to keep their pookkalam simple and neat. Perfection was what they aimed at and it brought them success.

The team from the State Bank of Travancore main branch wanted to make a pookkalam that was simple and yet rich.

The team has been a regular at pookkalam contests organised in the city and said it had a fair idea of what would appeal to the judges.

The team’s faith was not misplaced and it bagged the third prize of Rs.7,500.

Ten consolation prizes of Rs.1,500 each were given, besides gift vouchers for Rs.2,750 to all teams.

The prizes were given away by Chandra Lakshman, film and television actor.

The pookkalams were judged by a jury led by artist B.D. Dethan and comprising K.C. Chitrabhanu and K. Sreelal. In his address, Mr. Dethan said the traditions observed in making of pookkalams should be followed. The stress was on simplicity, finesse and colour scheme.

Tata Sky was the title sponsor of the contest.

The associate sponsors were Amul and Sprinkle Salt. IFB was the prize sponsor. Bond Street Perfumes India Pvt. Ltd. and Shree Devi Textiles were the gift sponsors. Bru was the beverage partner and Akbar Travels the travel partner.

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