Creative Pookalam Designs For Onam

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Onam is the main festival of God's Own Country or Kerala. This Southern state of India has its own unique customs and rituals. Onam is celebrated only in this part of the world. Onam is basically an Indian harvest festival. But it is also related to the story of the generous King Bali who was hoodwinked by Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the soul of King Bali visits his beloved subjects, that is the people of Kerala on the day of Onam.

That is why, all Keralites decorate their homes with pookalam designs a week before Onam. The art form of pookalam for Onam is one of the unique things about this festival. In fact pookalam designs are a traditional art form that hails from Kerala. Pookalam basically means floral rangoli. Instead of rangoli colour powder, flower petals are used for making pookalams for Onam.

Onam celebrations have already started in Kerala and in the rest of the world. So before September 16, 2013 which is the designated day for Onam celebrations this year, you need to try some different pookalam designs. Usually, the pookalam for Onam is made two to three times before the actual date of the festival. That is why, it is natural for you to run out of ideas.

But don't worry. Boldsky has an assortment of creative pookalam designs for their readers. Go ahead and check out these beautiful floral rangoli patterns.

Circular Pookalams

Most pookalams are circular in shape. When you are in a hurry, you can try making a roughly simple circular pookalam like this one.

White n Red

This pookalam uses white and red flower petals. The red and pink colours have come from rose petals. The white petals that are slightly elongated are gerberas.

Ladies Pookalam

This pookalam has the recurring theme of Keralite women wearing the traditional white and gold sarees.

Hibiscus Pookalam

The central part of this pookalam is a hibiscus flower. The rest of the design comprises of marigold flowers.

Marigold Pookalam

Marigolds are the most commonly used flowers for pookalams. This is because their petals are easy to shred and uniform in shape.

Star Pookalam

After circular pookalams, the star shape is very common in this form of art. If you want a sweet and simple pookalam design, then try this star pookalam done with marigold petals.

Flame Pookalam

This is a pookalam design that requires you to be very neat. The orange colour of the marigold petals have been used to make flames.

Ringed Pookalam

This pookalam is inspired from the Olympics design. It is a series rings that go through each other. The design looks intricate but isn't too complicated.

Carpet Pookalam

This pattern of the pookalam has been borrowed from typical carpet designs. And the coarse texture of the petals make it look like an actual floral carpet.

Dance Theme

The central theme of this pookalam are the two dancing women. The rest of the pookalam has been done with shades of yellow and orange.

Shaded Purple Flower

This pookalam uses an unusual shade of purple. The basic pattern is that of a blooming flower. However, many delicate shades of purple have been used in this pookalam.

White n Blue Flower

This floral pookalam uses many contrasting shapes of colour. The blue colour used here is particularly interesting. You need a good collection of flowers to try something like this.

Bottle Green n Magenta

This pookalam uses two very unusual colours, magenta and green. The green has come from shredded leaves and the magenta is probably carnations.

Sun Shaped

This pookalam apes the blazing rays of the sun. The vibrant orange colour of marigold petals is perfect for this design.

Lady In White

The central theme of this pookalam is a lady wearing the typical white and gold saree. The pink rose petals add a touch of elegance to the pookalam.

Trikakarayappan

The ant-hill like structures you see at the centre of the pookalam is the Trikakarayappan which represents King Mahabali. The simple pookalam has been drawn around it for decoration.