Thrissur: Thekkinkadu Maidan turned into a sea of colours on Atham day as a spectacular giant floral carpet welcomed the Onam season in grand style. Continuing a 17-year-old tradition, the Sayahna Souhruda Kootayma (Evening Friendship Forum) recreated the iconic Pookkalam at the Thekke Gopura Nada of the Vadakkumnathan temple. Watch the video here:

Spread across 60 feet in diameter and crafted with over 1,500 kilograms of fresh flowers, the Pookkalam stood as a dazzling symbol of Kerala’s harvest festival.

“Every year, we dedicate ourselves to this labour of love. It takes hours of teamwork and tonnes of flowers to bring it alive,” said Shoby T. Varghese, general convener of the forum.

The work began before sunrise, with members—young and old—joining hands to arrange blossoms in intricate patterns. By morning, the floral masterpiece was ready, drawing hundreds of visitors. Selfie-takers and tourists thronged the spot, flooding social media with images of the “giant Pookkalam,” now a hallmark of Thrissur’s Onam festivities.

The celebrations stretched into the evening with a lamp-lighting ceremony led by Mayor MK Varghese and Chief Judicial Magistrate Ramya Menon. Cultural highlights followed, including a spirited Kaikottikali performance by more than 100 women, led by former Mayor Ajitha Vijayan and Lawyers’ Association convener Deepa Kumaran.

With flowers, lights, music, and tradition blending seamlessly, the giant Pookkalam once again reaffirmed Thrissur’s role as the cultural heart of Kerala’s Onam celebrations.