Team Varnaraji from Oachanthuruthu in Vypeen led by Vinod C.B and wife Jeeja bagged the first prize in the seventh edition of Parle-The Hindu MetroPlus Pookkalam Contest powered by SBT held at Nucleus Mall in Maradu on Thursday.
The team, Vismaya, led by Surendran that won the second prize also hails from Oachanthuruth. Vismaya also won another prize as the chief guest’s choice. Skaria and party from Eloor came third in the contest. Producer-turned-actor Sandra Thomas, who was the chief guest, gave away the prizes to winners along with Sharafudheen M.P, Area Sales Manager, Parle Products. Ms. Thomas said Onam always brought good memories and the pookkalam contest organised by The Hindu MetroPlus added to the spirit of the festival.
The jury comprised of artists V.K. Jayan and T.R. Upendranath. Mr. Upendranath said choosing the winners was difficult, given the high quality of pookkalams at the contest. “Visual effect was the primary consideration followed by the perfection of the design and its execution and innovative ideas,” he said. The first prize winners walked away with a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 and gifts. The first runner-up won a cash award of Rs. 12,500 and gifts, while second runner-up bagged Rs. 7,500 and gifts. Ten teams won consolation prize of Rs. 1,500 and gifts. Team Wilson Associates, which was adjudged the best traditionally dressed team, won a cash prize and gifts. Lakshmi and Roopesh were adjudged the best traditionally dressed female and male contestants, winning cash prize and gifts.
KBSS, a team comprising Bengalis, and Rajasthani Mahila Sangam was adjudged the best traditionally dressed teams from outside the State, winning cash prize and gift hamper from Parle. All 44 contesting teams won gifts. All teams were also given Rs.750 as reimbursement towards the cost of flowers. The teams were given two-and-a-half hours to complete the pookkalam, including drawing the design and floral arrangement.
The teams were permitted to use only natural flowers and leaves to prepare the floral arrangements. The title sponsor of the event was Parle Products. The associate sponsors were State Bank of Travancore, Kerafed, Kerala State Social Security Mission and Dr. Yogiraj Centre for Dermatology and Cosmetology.
The regional gift sponsors were Delicious Delights from the house of Parayil, Vismay Sarees, Tierra Foods, Synthite Kitchen Treasures, Maaza and Ved rasaa.
