The sixth edition of The Hindu-MetroPlus Pookkalam contest will be held at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram on August 25.
The Pookkalam contest, first held in 2007, has been witnessing increased participation over the years and has become the top contest of its kind in terms of participation (50 teams), quality, craftsmanship, and the value and number of prizes.
Only 50 teams would be allowed in the contest on a first-come-first-served basis. Each team should have five members, including the team captain, out of which three should be women.
The ‘pookkalam’ should be prepared in two-and-a-half hours, which includes the time for drawing and flower arrangement.
Teams should register in advance. For registration at Thiruvananthapuram contact (0471) 2502001 or email girish.kr@thehindu.co.in. The contest will be held between 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. at the Golden Jubilee Hall, St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram. The venue will be open for visitors from 3 p.m.
The teams adjudged first, second, and third will receive Rs.20,000, Rs.12,500, and Rs.7,500 respectively. Ten teams would be given consolation prizes of Rs.1,500 each. All teams will be given Rs.750 as reimbursement for the cost of flowers. Visitors can also win prizes through lucky dip. The best ‘traditionally dressed team’ and two individual participants would be given special prizes. Also, a biscuit crunch contest will be conducted for children. The presenting sponsor for the event is Parle Products. The event is powered by Lewis Berger Easy Clean . The banking partner is Bank of Baroda and the Gift Sponsor, TTK Prestige .
All team members should be above 15 years of age. Each institution can send a maximum of three teams. The ‘pookkalam’ can be a circle or a square but the diameter/length and breadth should not exceed five feet. It should have a minimum area of 19 sq.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 taken into account by the jury. The decision of the jury will be final. Family members of the staff of The Hindu and those of the sponsors are not allowed to participate. The teams that do not follow the above set of rules will be disqualified.
