The aroma of fresh flowers and incense filled the air at the Chinmaya Mission in the Capital as Delhiites gathered to mark the beginning of the Onam festival.
There was even a pookalam or floral pattern contest organised by a media house.
This was the eighth time that the contest was being held to mark the beginning of the 10-day rituals of Onam.
Women clad in traditional off-white sarIs made floral patterns. Onam, celebrated largely in Kerala, marks the homecoming of king Mahabali during the harvest season.
This year, there were 26 teams participating in the contest. Each comprised five members who were given three hours to prepare a floral pattern.
The contestants were allowed to use 75 per cent natural flowers and 25 per cent supplements such as rice. Indu Venugopal, a participant from Indirapuram, said the event was an exhilarating experience, a great way to start Onam. It was the first time she was participating in the contest.
There was even a pookalam or floral pattern contest organised by a media house.
This was the eighth time that the contest was being held to mark the beginning of the 10-day rituals of Onam.
Women clad in traditional off-white sarIs made floral patterns. Onam, celebrated largely in Kerala, marks the homecoming of king Mahabali during the harvest season.
This year, there were 26 teams participating in the contest. Each comprised five members who were given three hours to prepare a floral pattern.
The contestants were allowed to use 75 per cent natural flowers and 25 per cent supplements such as rice. Indu Venugopal, a participant from Indirapuram, said the event was an exhilarating experience, a great way to start Onam. It was the first time she was participating in the contest.