The Hindu-MetroPlus Pookkalam Contest held at HiLite Mall in Kozhikode on Saturday proved to be a visual treat for visitors to the mall and a welcome break from their hectic shopping schedule ahead of Onam. Most were awed by the aerial view of perfectly designed floral carpets laid out in one of the lobbies of the mall.
Twenty-six teams from all over north Kerala took part in the tenth edition of the contest, which has, over the years, become an important part of the pookkalam circuit in the State.
It was once again Team Sreelakshmi from Kannapuram in Kannur that walked away with the first prize of ₹20,000 while Team Deepa Gold from Kanhangad bagged the second prize and Team Create Media the third prize. Consolation prizes were given to five teams. The judging panel comprised artists Rajagopal Iruvallur and Devaprakash.
The second prize winners received ₹12,500 while the third prize winners bagged ₹7,500 besides a lot of goodies. All teams were given a reimbursement of ₹750 for the flowers besides ₹500-fuel coupons from the Indian Oil Corporation.
Traditional attire
Prizes were also given in the best traditional attire category.
Team Thumba comprising Sreeranjini, Reshma, Shijvi, Babija and Sashija bagged the team award while Amrutha of Team Tharang and Nithun Raj of Team Abir Family Medical Centre won the award for best dressed woman and best dressed man. The winners were selected by costume designer Shemina Sasikumar.
The prizes were given away by actor Vineeth who praised the perfection of the pookkalams.
“I was wonderstruck by the finishing, the colour combinations and the variety in designs and flowers. A perfect team effort is required to make a perfect pookkalam,” he said. Mr. Vineeth also appreciated the selection of the venue and the view of the pookkalams from the top floors of the mall.
Mr. Devaprakash, one of the judges, said that it was a tight competition and hence their job was tough. The use of flowers instead of leaves and barks was appreciated.
Sponsors
The contest is sponsored by Poabs Supreme Tea while Sprinkle Salt, Kerala Tourism and Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation are the associate sponsors. HiLite Mall was the venue partner while the Indian Oil Corporation was the energy partner. Focus Shirts, Gonexa Mattress, Sadhu Merry Kindgdom and Dhatri were the gift sponsors.
