Alappuzha farmer blends Onam tradition with farming; cultivates living ‘pookkalam’
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Photo: K C Charly
Alappuzha: In Kanjikuzhi, farmer S. P. Sujith Swaminikarthil has turned the Onam tradition of creating a pookkalam into a unique spectacle by cultivating it directly on his farmland. Instead of using freshly plucked flowers, he grew rows of flowering plants to form a giant floral carpet.
According to locals, Sujith planted over 15 varieties, including marigold (bendhi), globe amaranth (vadamulla), and a jasmine variety (pichipoo), arranging them in circular rows to create intricate patterns. The vibrant colours and natural textures have transformed his fields into a living artwork, attracting hundreds of visitors.
Kanjikuzhi panchayat vice-president Santhosh Kumar M praised the initiative, saying it beautifully combines the spirit of Onam with the creativity of farming. He added that Sujith’s effort serves as both a celebration of culture and a tribute to the land he cultivates, noting that the farmer has won multiple state awards for his innovation and dedication, TNIE reported.
Sujith began working on his unique pookkalam nearly three months ago, preparing about six cents of land for a floral carpet with a 24-metre radius. He explained that around 25 varieties of flowering, non-flowering, and vegetable plants were used including green chilli and spinach.
Sujith said he personally prepared the land, planted each row, and spent around ₹25,000 on the project, adding that he also plans to generate revenue by harvesting flowers and chillies for Onam sales.
This year, the 38-year-old has also cultivated vegetables and flowering plants across 10 acres of leased land in Cherthala taluk, practising mixed farming techniques.
Sujith, who holds a degree in hotel management, left a job at a well-known gold industry group in 2012 to pursue farming full-time. He initially focused on cultivating vegetables on leased land before venturing into bio-farming, which he described as a successful experiment that strengthened his journey as an innovative farmer.
