Date:08/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/08/stories/2008090858860200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Saying it with flowers

Staff Reporter

— Photo: K. Murali Kumar

A participant at the Pookkalam contest in Bangalore on Sunday.

Bangalore: The colours were vibrant and fragrance from the flowers infused the air. The Onam spirit hit the city with pookkalam competitions taking off on Sunday.

Several teams were busy trying to out do each other by making intricate patterns with flowers at the BEL Convention Hall.

Fifty-two teams from across the city participated in the Onam Pookkalam competition organised jointly by Malayala Manorama and the Kristal Group.

The first place that carried a rolling trophy and Rs. 15,000 cash prize was bagged by the group, Niram Arts, led by V.V. Mukesh. The second place was secured by Harishri group led by Hari Das. The group won a cash prize of Rs. 10,000. The Jeevalaya Institute of Philosophy group led by Ajesh Palakkal won the third place.