On the 15 th day, called 'Ayilyam', Pookalam is decorated again. The arrangement is not touched for the next 15 days.

On the next day of Onam, Thumba flowers are used to decorate Onapookalam. 'Thumba Poo' is also considered to be the favourite flower of Lord Shiva and King Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Shiva. Of all these flowers, Thumba flowers are given more importance in Pookalam as they are small in size and glitter in the the soft rays of the sun. Commonly used flowers include Thumba (Lucas Aspera), Kakka Poovu, Thechipoovu, Mukkutti (little tree plant), Chemparathy (shoe flower), Aripoo or Konginipoo (Lantana), Hanuman Kireedom (Red pagoda plant) and Chethi (Ixora). Various flowers are used on each day as a specific flower is dedicated to each day of Onam. Its a big creative task, as designers have to think of a new design ever day. Size of a Pookalam is increased by adding more to it on every passing day hence a massive Pookalam gets ready for the main day of the occasion. Basic design is prepared on the first day. Designing starts from the day of Atham and is made ready by Thiruvonam day.

Ritual of making the flower mats continues for all ten days of Onam. Diameter of a Pookalam normally ranges from four to five meters. Idols of Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the center of the Pookalam and worshiped. Pookalams are normally laid on the front court yard of the house. Use of powder colours, desiccated coconut or artificial flowers is prohibited. Kilo and kilos of flowers, lot of dedication, creativity, technique and team effort are the basic essential of an eye catching Pookkalam.Īthapoovu are usually circular in shape and multi-tiered colourful arrangements of flowers, petals and leaves. Besides making several other arrangements, people, especially adolescent girls prepare elaborate Pookalams to welcome their most loved King. People believe the spirit of their dear King Mahabali visits Kerala at the time of Onam. It is considered auspicious to prepare Pookalam, also known as 'Aththa-Poo' during the festival of Onam. 'Pookhalam' consists of two words, 'poov' meaning flower and 'kalam' means colour sketches on the ground. Tradition of decorating Pookalam is extremely popular in Kerala and is followed as a ritual in every household during ten-day-long Onam celebrations. Pookalam is an intricate and colourful arrangement of flowers laid on the floor.

Sankat mochan mahabali hanuman temple