A group of students in Thrissur is in an attempt to recapture the glory of Thumba flower, an indispensable ingredient in traditional Athakkalam (Pookkalam).
At a time, when we wait for flowers from the neighbouring States to decorate Pookkalam, the NSS volunteers of Sri. C. Achutha Menon Government College, Thrissur, have cultivated the thumba flower (Leucas aspera), on their campus for celebrating Onam in its most traditional manner.
Thumba is an indispensable flower for making the floral carpet (Pookkalam). The seeds were collected by the volunteers and sowed just before the monsoon. The plants are fully grown up now and it is a joyous occasion to see the panoramic scene in the campus, said NSS programme officer C. Sijo Varghese.
Thumba is a herbal plant and it signifies purity and simplicity. It is believed that Lord Krishna loved this flower and thus it has a religious significance. The plant has various medical uses including as a remedy for snake bite and scorpion sting. Thumba leaves are an excellent mosquito repellent. Elders use the juice of thumba leaves with honey as a remedy for indigestion and stomach ache. “Thumba is on the verge of extinction, as it is considered as a weed. We would like to convey the message that this flower needs to be protected. Many people are not aware of its medicinal values,” said NSS programme officer P.R. Razeena.
