How Onam Pookalam flowers support Kerala’s seasonal economy
The price of a pookalam is decided weeks before its first circle is drawn. It takes shape in leased fields, agricultural nurseries and planting schedules calculated around Atham. Rainfall determines the quality of the petals, an early bloom can reduce a farmer’s earnings, and a delayed harvest can miss the most valuable days of the season. The finished arrangement may last less than a day. Its…
Onam Pookalam flowers play a vital role in Kerala's seasonal economy. These intricate flower arrangements are made weeks in advance, with the price determined before the first circle is drawn. The quality of petals depends on rainfall, and a poor harvest can impact farmers' earnings. The finished designs typically last less than a day, but their impact extends far beyond Kerala, with demand from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
During the ten-day festival of Onam, demand grows, starting with modest arrangements on Atham and increasing as Thiruvonam approaches. Homes, schools, offices, hotels, shops, residential communities, and cultural organizations all place orders, especially when they participate in pookalam competitions. Marigold, chrysanthemum, and globe amaranth are popular choices due to their vibrant colors and large volume, while jasmine, roses, lotus, oleander, and wildflowers add detail and fragrance.
Most of Kerala's Onam flower supply comes from established growing centers outside the state, such as Coimbatore, Hosur, Dindigul, Sathyamangalam, Mysuru, and Gundlupet. Flowers are harvested, packed, and transported quickly to Kerala's wholesale markets, with traders delivering them just before use. However, local production has been expanding through farming collectives, panchayat projects, and government-supported programs.
Kudumbashree, a state women's development and poverty eradication mission, has been a major participant, growing flowers across 1,281.24 acres for the 2024 Onam season.
Local floriculture suits the seasonal calendar, as many popular varieties can be harvested within two months, allowing for a second growing cycle. By cultivating flowers closer to the customer, local production reduces travel time and allows growers to sell directly through neighborhood stalls, local fairs, and community networks.
Marigold has become a key focus for these initiatives, as it produces flowers quickly, has dominant yellow and orange hues for contemporary pookalam designs, and can be grown on small plots. Chrysanthemums and globe amaranth provide additional color options and help farmers diversify their crops. However, local production is not without risk, as sudden increases in supply can lower returns.
Planning the crop around Onam requires access to reliable seedlings, technical advice, and clear information about demand.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
