Global Pookkalam goes online; Kerala Tourism takes Onam Celebrations to the world

August 19, 2021 S Ranjita India 1

Onam Celebrations
Onam Celebrations

Floral arrangements or floral carpets are among the features that add color to Onam celebrations of Keralites all around the globe. With the Covid-19 pandemic putting a speed breaker to full-fledged Onam celebrations, most revelries have now hopped into virtual space. Kerala Tourism, too, is taking the online route to rope in Malayalees in its celebrations.

As part of this initiative, Kerala Tourism has unveiled a Global Pookkalam contest this time around. Pookalam’s or floral arrangements have been positioned in competitions by the tourism department in the state, and Malayalis around the world have started registering for the online event.

Global Pookkalam: Covid-19 induced virtual event

The Kerala government is hosting the virtual competition in the backdrop of Covid-19 that has forced Malayalis to remain indoors and celebrate the harvest festival. Kerala Tourism is also readying a comprehensive video program featuring folk arts by the state’s performers in financial difficulties due to the pandemic. The 15-minute clips will be beamed online through audio-visual and social media, a government announcement said.

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According to the state‘s Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas, the Global Pookalam contest gives a common platform to both Malayali diaspora who cannot visit Onam-time Kerala and Keralites who miss their opportunity for social get-togethers this year owing to Covid-19 conditions. The theme of the event sends across the Onam message of unity and fraternity.”

“Usually, expatriate Malayalis celebrate this festival along with fellow members of their associations. This time, the Pookalam contest facilitates them to celebrate Onam with all Malayalis across the globe,” he added.

The Minister has also made a worldwide appeal for massive participation in the contest. NORKA Roots, the Kerala state field agency under the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs, organized an online meeting and exhorted Malayalis across the globe to participate in the Pookkalam competition.

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Global Pookkalam participants can register for free

Individuals, organizations/associations can vie for honors. Registrations are free, and all participants need to head for the competition website and upload their floral arrangements. Images can be uploaded till midnight on August 23.

The identification number received on registration must be noted below the Pookkalam. The image file should be in .jpg format and with a resolution between 1 MB and 5 MB. This image file and the picture of the pertinent individual/organization/association should be uploaded to the website. Also, a brief description of the Pookkalam needs to be written.

A jury under the Department of Tourism will evaluate the Pookkalams and select 100 from among them. They will be uploaded onto the website of the department.

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Contestants will be awarded first, second and third prizes in two categories – individual and organization/association. There will be ten consolation prizes too. Also, all participants will be given a special Onam gift. All contestants can download their certificate of participation from the website.

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Ranjita is a seasoned writer on a variety of topics. She has been writing for 8 years now on various international publications. Entertainment and current news topics are her favorite. She can be reached at [email protected]