Date:08/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/08/stories/2008090858870200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Pookkalam contest ushers in spirit of Onam

Staff Reporter

— Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

Festive mood: Actor Sandhya presenting the Onam Pookkala Malsaram Trophy in Chennai on Sunday.

CHENNAI: Hundreds of Malayalam faces seemingly cherished every moment of the Onam cultural evening organised by Malayala Manorama in association with OKJ, Bharat Petroleum and HatsunFoods here on Sunday.

Actor Sandhya inaugurated the function and presented the Onam Pookkala Malsaram Trophy to the team ‘IAF Mittanamath.’

The sixth Onam Pookkalam contest was held on Wednesday. More than 60 teams participated in the colourful contest.

“This Onam cultural evening is an excellent opportunity to experience the spirit of Onam. The Onam pookkalam is culturally significant as it is a floral array to welcome the King Mahabali,” said Sandhya.

The Onam Pookkalam made of various kinds of flowers is usually circular in shape with intricate designs.

“This cultural evening strengthens the love and camaraderie among the people sharing the values of Onam,” said C.G. Rajendra Babu, Head of the Department of Malayalam, the University of Madras.

Music, dance and mimicry by Kottayam Nazeer enthralled the audience.

Manoj Mathew, Chief Reporter of Malayala Manorama, said,

“This cultural evening provides the people opportunity to collectively enjoy Onam despite being away from their homes.”