The fifth edition of The Hindu Metroplus Pookkalam Contest will be held at Kochi on September 03, 2011. The venue is at TDM Hall, DH Road, Ernakulam.
Only 50 teams will be allowed for contest at each centre on a first come, first served basis. Each team should have five members, including the team captain, of which three should be women. All the members should be above 15 years of age. Each institution can send a maximum of three teams. The ‘pookkalam' should be prepared in two-and-a-half hours, which includes the time for drawing and flower arrangement.
The teams should register in advance. For registration at Kochi call 0484-2301653 or e-mail to priyashiju@thehindu.co.in. The registration fee is Rs.100. It will be refunded after the event. The contest will be held between 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m
The first three winners will receive cash prizes of Rs.20,000, Rs.12,500 and Rs.7,500 respectively. There will be Consolation prizes of Rs.1,500 for 10 teams. Also, there will be special gifts for all the participating teams. Plus, all teams will be given Rs.750 as reimbursement for the cost of the flowers. Visitors can also win prizes through lucky dip.
The title sponsor of the event is Lewis Berger Rangoli Easy Clean
Associate sponsors are State Bank of India Local Head Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Park Avenue, Q&Q Watches, The Kerala State Women's Development Corporation Ltd, Sprinkle Salt.
The right for the selection of the teams rests with The Hindu . The pookkalam can be a circle or a square but the diameter/length and breadth should not exceed 5ft. The pookkalam should have a minimum area of 19sq.ft and a maximum of 25 sq.ft. Only natural flowers and leaves should be used. The registered teams should report at the information counter at the venue at 8.30 a.m. for allotment of number and space in the hall. Harmony of colour and shapes and neatness of the pookkalam will be the prime factors considered for judgment. The judgment of the jury will be final.
The family members of the staff of The Hindu and the sponsors are not allowed to participate. The teams that do not follow the above set of rules will be disqualified.
