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What Is Onam Pookalam? Onam is one of the biggest harvest festivals of Kerala. The 10-day-long festival is celebrated with rich traditions that speak of the cultural diversity of the southern state. The festival is also known for a famous tradition during the Onam, called Pookalam. Do you know what exactly this is about? Pookalam is a beautiful floral carpet, also known as floral rangoli in the northern parts of India. This floral carpet is spread wide across your homes, public places and temples during Onam festivities. As per the custom, these pookalams are made to invite the much-loved King Mahabali, whose annual visit is the very soul of the festival. Do you know who King Mahabali is?

As per tradition, King Mahabali was one of the kindest kings during his reign. It is also believed that under the king's rule, Kerala prospered immensely with equality and wealth. The gods, however, became jealous and asked Lord Vishnu to do something about him. Under these circumstances, Mahabali was banished to the underworld, but as soon as that happened, Lord Vishnu felt regretful about his doing and offered the King a boon. King Mahabali asked for an allowance to return to his people once a year.

king Mahabali

King Mahabali (Image Credit: Canva) 

Also Read: Onam Pookalam Designs 2025: Easy And Beautiful Flower Rangoli Ideas For Kerala’s Grand Festival

Therefore, to celebrate his arrival, people adorn their verandas and home entrances with beautiful floral patterns, which is a reflection of celebration, joy, serenity and devotion.

Let’s take a look at the symbols of Pookalams:

- Pookalams are made using several flowers, which represent positivity, prosperity and togetherness.

- Pookalams are usually made of round patterns, which highlight the significance of eternity, unity and the ultimate cycle of life.

- Pookalams are made by family members, relatives or neighbours, which signifies unity in the tradition.

Also Read: Onam 2025 Date: When Is Onam? Know Time, Rituals, History And Significance

Pookalam is not just made on the first or last day of Onam. It is a ten-day-long tradition. However, on Atham, the first day of Onam, the pattern of Pookalam is small and keeps increasing with each day of Onam and additional flowers and layers are added, forming a big, elaborate carpet on  Thiruvonam, the last day of Onam.

Additionally, to your surprise, during the Onam celebration, schools, colleges, offices, and even temples host Pookalam competitions to continue this age-old tradition in the digital era. It is also important to note that the Onam Pookalam is not just a floral rangoli; it is a beautiful reminder of Kerala's heritage, an artistic tribute to King Mahabali, and a festive expression of positivity and prosperity. Did you also find this beautiful story behind Onam Pookalam, as heartwarming as we did?