CTMA Onam Pookkalam Contest 2026 — presented by Gopuram, powered by Prince Jewellery. 23rd August 2026, 9 AM onwards, Express Avenue Mall Royapettah Chennai. Entry fee ₹500. Celebrity judges. Win exciting prizes.

Onam Pookkalam Contest 2026

Celebrate • Create • Compete

Get your team together and celebrate the spirit of Onam through the vibrant art of Pookkalam, bringing creativity, culture and festive joy to the heart of Chennai.

  • Sunday, August 23rd 2026
  • 9:00 AM onwards
  • Express Avenue Mall, Chennai
  • ₹500 / team
Register Your Team Rules & Regulations

Last date for registration: 20th August 2026

Date 23rd August 2026
Time 9:00 AM onwards
Venue Express Avenue Mall, Royapettah
Team Size Maximum 5 Members
Entry Fee ₹500 / team

Win exciting prizes · Celebrity judges to select the winners

About the Contest

Where Flowers Become Art

Pookkalam is one of the most beautiful traditions of Onam — a vibrant floral carpet created using flowers and natural elements.

The Times Onam Pookkalam Contest 2026 invites teams across Chennai to come together and showcase their creativity, artistic skill and love for Kerala's rich cultural traditions. Create a stunning Pookkalam with your team, compete with fellow enthusiasts and celebrate the joy of Onam in the heart of Chennai.

Whether inspired by traditional designs or brought to life through your team's imagination, your Pookkalam is your canvas to celebrate the spirit of Onam.

Come together. Create something beautiful. Make your Pookkalam count!

A colourful traditional Pookkalam floral arrangement

Why Participate?

Five Reasons To Join In

Showcase Your Creativity

Turn flowers and natural elements into a beautiful work of art.

Celebrate Together

Bring your friends, family or community together as a team.

Keep Tradition Alive

Celebrate the timeless Kerala tradition of creating Pookkalam during Onam.

Compete & Win

Compete for exciting prizes and recognition from celebrity judges.

Be Part of the Celebration

Experience the joy and festive spirit of Onam with the Chennai community.

Event Day

23rd August 2026 — Schedule

Participants are requested to report by 9:00 AM and complete registration/verification before the competition begins. The Pookkalam must be completed within the competition window of 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.

  1. 9:00 AM

    Participant Registration & Reporting

  2. 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

    Pookkalam Competition

  3. 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

    Judging

  4. 3:00 PM

    Prize Distribution

Read Before You Register

Rules & Regulations

By completing registration, all participants agree to abide by the rules below.

  • Each team can have a maximum of 5 members.
  • All members participating in the competition must be part of the registered team.
  • Only registered team members will be permitted to participate.

  • Held on Sunday, 23rd August 2026 at Express Avenue Mall, Royapettah, Chennai.
  • Registration/Reporting: 9:00 AM · Competition: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM · Judging: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM · Prize Distribution: 3:00 PM.
  • All participants are required to report at the venue by 9:00 AM.

  • Floor marking will commence at 7:00 AM.
  • Each team is allotted the space required for its Pookkalam within permitted dimensions.
  • Teams must restrict their Pookkalam and activities to their allotted space.

  • Minimum diameter of 5.5 feet (66 inches).
  • Must not exceed 6 feet (72 inches) in diameter.
  • Participants must ensure the completed Pookkalam stays within the specified dimensions.

  • Only natural flowers and leaves may be used.
  • Participants are encouraged to showcase creativity through arrangement and design of natural floral materials.

  • Sand, salt, artificial colour powders, artificial flowers, artificial decorative materials and any other non-natural material are strictly prohibited.

  • Only chalk may be used to outline or mark the design on the floor.
  • Permanent marker pens or non-erasable materials are not permitted.
  • Floor markings must be removable after the competition.

  • Participants must create the Pookkalam design at the venue.
  • Pre-made stickers, templates or similar ready-made materials may not be used.

  • No Kuthuvilakku, Chirath, Nirapara, diyas, lamps or other decorative objects.
  • The entry must remain a Pookkalam created using permitted natural flowers and leaves.

  • A separate designated space will be provided for teams to prepare/sort flowers.
  • Participants must use the designated area wherever instructed by the organisers.

  • All participants must maintain discipline and decorum throughout.
  • Maintain silence and avoid disturbing other teams during competition and judging.
  • All instructions from organisers and venue authorities must be followed.

  • All teams must complete their Pookkalam within 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
  • Each team gets 5 minutes to clean up its allotted area afterwards.
  • Teams must leave their space clean and free of excess flowers, leaves and waste.

  • Once competition and clean-up are complete, all teams must vacate as instructed.
  • Participants must not remain around the Pookkalam during judging (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM).

  • No signs, banners, logos, names or identifying material may be placed near the Pookkalam during judging.
  • Pookkalams will be identified only through the official number/card issued by organisers.

  • Each team receives a competition/number card from organisers.
  • The card must be displayed next to the completed Pookkalam as instructed — no other identifying information.

  • Judging is conducted by appointed celebrity judges between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM.
  • The Pookkalam must remain undisturbed during the entire judging process.
  • The decision of the judges will be final and binding.

  • Results will be announced by the organisers.
  • Prizes presented to First, Second and Third Prize winners, plus any additional prizes announced.
  • Prize distribution is scheduled for 3:00 PM on 23rd August 2026.

  • Gopuram and the Onam Pookkalam Contest Organising Committee may interpret, amend or modify these rules where necessary.
  • Organisers have final authority on all matters relating to the conduct of the competition.
  • Organisers reserve the right to disqualify any team or entry that violates the rules.
  • The decision of the organisers/judges is final and binding.
Download Rules & Regulations (PDF)

Getting Started

How to Register

1

Fill in Your Details

Enter your team name, team leader details and participant information.

2

Confirm Entry Fee

The ₹500/- entry fee per team is payable at reporting, or as instructed after registration.

3

Receive Confirmation

You'll receive your registration confirmation along with a Registration ID.

4

Join Us on 23rd August

Report at Express Avenue Mall by 9:00 AM and get ready to create your Pookkalam!

Register Now — ₹500/-

Registration closes: 20th August 2026

Registration Form

Register Your Team

All fields marked with * are required. Please double-check details before submitting — your Registration ID and confirmation will be based on this information.

Entry Fee: ₹500 per team

After you submit your team's details below, you'll see a UPI QR code to complete payment and confirm your registration.

Team Details
Team Members (up to 5, including team leader)
Declaration

Find Us

See You at Express Avenue Mall!

Express Avenue Mall — Central Atrium

Royapettah, Chennai

  • 23rd August 2026
  • Reporting 9:00 AM · Competition from 10:00 AM

Detailed venue/floor location and parking information will be shared with registered participants.

Get Directions

Need Help With Registration?

Contact Us

For queries related to registration, payment or the competition — Onam Pookkalam Contest 2026.

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