With 3,000-Dhotis An Asia Record Is Set

KOCHI – In Kerala, a mundu is usually worn, folded and draped. This Onam, nearly 3,000 of them have been spread out instead and turned into a giant pookkalam.

At Kochi’s Forum Mall, Ramraj Cotton has given one of Kerala’s most familiar garments an unusual festive makeover, creating a 30-foot-diameter ‘Mundukalam’ using mundus in a variety of colors.

The giant installation has earned a place in the Asia Book of Records as Asia’s largest pookkalam made using mundus.

Instead of the flowers traditionally used to create Onam’s colorful floral carpets, the ‘Mundukalam’ uses carefully arranged pieces of fabric to form an elaborate design. The result is a striking installation that has been drawing visitors to the mall.

The idea brings together two familiar symbols of Malayali life: the white mundu, worn by generations of Keralites, and the pookkalam, the flower carpet that appears outside homes across the state during Onam.

Pookkalams are created as families prepare to celebrate the festival, with flowers arranged in increasingly intricate patterns. The tradition is associated with prosperity, togetherness and the annual return of Mahabali, the legendary king at the heart of Onam celebrations.

The ‘Mundukalam’ keeps the familiar circular form and festive spirit of the pookkalam, but swaps petals for fabric – giving an age-old tradition a distinctly contemporary look.