No time for Onappookkalam? Kozhikode siblings launch ready-made floral carpets

When the season of Onam arrives, having a pookkalam (floral carpet) at the front porch brings pure joy to the heart. But what about those who wish to have one yet lack the time to lay it out? What if you could get ready-made floral carpets for Onam, just like setting up readymade trees for Christmas? Floral carpets are now entering the market with all the beauty of traditional flower arrangements.

Instead of laying out an athapookkalam at homes or offices, one can simply roll out these ready-made carpets, creating the charming impression of a traditional floral arrangement.
 

A venture featuring ready-made floral carpets, started a few months ago by three siblings from Kozhikode- Adith, Ashith and Nandana- is gaining widespread attention.

Adith, a photographer, had searched for a portable, ready-made pookkalam last Onam for a photoshoot. The time taken to lay traditional flowers and the hassle of transporting them were his main reasons. However, he could not find a suitable option. Therefore, he thought of crafting one himself this time.
 

To tell the truth, this was not initially started as a business venture, says Nandana, who is a teacher. The idea of making a ready-made floral carpet for her brother’s requirement came up casually during a conversation. All three liked the concept. So, they bought materials such as wool yarn and adhesive and made three pookkalams. Upon seeing the outcome, they thought it looked quite nice and attractive. It was only when their work gradually turned out beautiful that they realised its market potential and decided to market it.
 

Adith owns a business page on Instagram, and they thought of posting it there to see if anyone would inquire. When they uploaded the video, it received excellent views. A lot of people came forward with inquiries, and they received orders from six people. This happened during June and July.

Nandana notes that people living abroad may not easily get fresh flowers as they do here, yet they still need pookkalams for their festive celebrations. They also calculated that photographers and retail shops would require them.

Their very first order was exceptionally special-it came from Canada. However, the client did not want a small carpet like the ones they had initially crafted; they ordered a 5-foot version. All three siblings worked together late into the night to complete it amidst great excitement. When their very first customer gave glowing feedback, it boosted their confidence. There are even individuals who place orders with them to resell and run businesses abroad.

Since they have several friends overseas for whom buying flowers to lay a pookkalam isn't always feasible, the majority of their orders came from Canada and the UK. They are receiving a decent number of domestic orders as well.

Neighbours lend a helping hand

Nandana adds that when a large volume of orders arrives together, their cousins and neighbours step in to assist. Everyone gets together and works in a wonderfully enjoyable atmosphere. Though it began with just the three of them, many hands join in as subsequent orders pile up. All three siblings hold other primary jobs and carry out this work late at night after returning home. Ashith works in event management. Speaking about the expenses of the enterprise, the major portion goes towards raw materials.

Deciding the designs

Whenever they come across a good design, the three share it among themselves. They also utilise ChatGPT to assist with colour selection. A final design is finalised only after considering everyone's input. They also customise designs based on specific customer requests, including sizing.

Currently, they make carpets ranging from 2 feet to 5 feet. They even offer customised pookkalams featuring company or office logos. A 2-foot pookkalam is priced at ₹1,199, with options expanding to 3-foot, 4-foot and up to 5-foot sizes. The 5-foot carpet costs ₹4,799, with additional courier charges applicable for international shipments.

“It is true that an Onappookkalam traditionally ought to be made using real flowers. However, considering the lack of time and the rising prices of flowers, floral carpets simply make things much easier. Moreover, these carpets can be packed away and reused again in the coming years,” Nandana concludes.
 

(Prepared by Shinila Mathottathil)