‘Pookkalam’ held on eve of Onam

Vijayawada: The Malayalee Association of Vijayawada has organised Pookkalam (flower arrangement) in a different way to mark the auspicious Onam festival that is celebrated by all the people of Kerala, irrespective of religion. The festival will be celebrated on Monday.

The members of the Association in Vijayawada organised the prestigious flower arrangement in a private hotel in the city, where more than 15 flower arrangements were set up using all the available colourful flowers and leaves.Speaking about the event, president of the Malayalee Association of Vijayawada Dr Nambiar said, “This year, owing to the ongoing agitation for united Andhra Pradesh, we have decided not to celebrate Onam on a grand scale. But, we organised the Pookkalam as a get together.”

The selective flower arrangements captured the attention of every visitor and the slogan of Jai Samaikyandhra at the bottom of each art added glamour and nativity to them. Women and girls of the community lit up candles and diyas in the middle of Pookkalam and danced to the tunes of songs.