Onam is an annual harvest festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, irrespective of caste and religion. It commemorates the homecoming of the legendary king Mahabali, who, according to the myths, was banished to hell by Vamana, an atar of Lord Vishnu. Before being sent to Patala Mahabali was granted a boon to visit his kingdom once a year.
Onam lasts ten days, from Atham to Thiruvonam, on the first Malayalam month Chingam (August or September). This year Thiruvonam falls on September 05. Onam is celebrated with great pomp and show across the state. Families and friends get together to share scrumptious Onasadya and engage in traditional games and activities. The highlight of Onam is the elaborate pookalam (floral carpet) made in front of houses and temples. The Onam pookalam designs of intricate patterns filled with various colored flowers are a sight to behold.
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Making a floral carpet is quite easy. All you need are some flowers from your surroundings, or some store-bought flowers and a bit of imagination. Traditionally these circular-shaped pookalams are made with Thumba (Leuca Indica), Chethi (Ixora coccinea), Chembarathy (Hibiscus), Jamanthi (Chrysanthemum), Mandaram (Bauhinia acuminata) and all those dainty flowers found in our surroundings. There are many different ways to design a pookalam, and each one is unique. If you are looking for inspiration for Onam pookalam, this article showcases some beautiful and innovative pookalam designs.
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Check out these simple and stunning Onam pookalam designs to make Onam 2025 special.
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Onam Pookalam Design 1
This year welcome Mahabali with this stunning and colorful floral carpet. Adorn this beautiful rangoli pattern with yellow and orange Marigold flowers (Chetti poovu), white and yellow Chrysanthemum (Jamanthi), small red rose flowers, Globe Amaranth Flowers (Vada Malli), Oleander (Vada Malli), and some lees.
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Onam Pookalam Design 2
This is a simple yet beautiful Onam pookalam with square patterns inside a basic circular shape. The flower pattern in the middle adds more charm to the floral carpet.
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Onam Pookalam Design 3
This Onam, try something different from the basic circular floral carpet. This floral pattern is unique yet easy to recreate.
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Onam Pookalam Design 4
The colors of this floral carpet are combined in such a way as to create a three-dimensional effect. Vivid colors like red, yellow, and orange are repeated in the Onam pookalam.
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Onam Pookalam Design 5
This one needs skillful and steady hands to perfect the pattern. The figure of a woman in traditional Kerala saree is sure to set this pookalam apart from the rest.
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Onam Pookalam Design 6
A simple yet vibrant design that can be perfected by anyone.
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Onam Pookalam Design 7
Another simple and colorful floral pattern.
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Onam Pookalam Design 8
This rangoli has a mix of vibrant colors magenta, yellow, green, and saffron.
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Onam Pookalam Design 9
It looks a little intricate and complex but can be done with ease. The precision and detailing of the design are noteworthy.
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Onam Pookalam Design 10
As the saying goes, se the best for the last! This lovely flower-shaped pattern is filled with flowers of bright colors like yellow, saffron, magenta, violet, and green.
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Onam 2025: 10 Simple Onam Pookalam designs
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