Pookkalam inspired the legendary anti -war painting Pablo Picasso Guernica at the Keral Forest Institute in Thrissur. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
This Onam, in the middle of the rebellion of colors and the ceremonial encouragement, the flower carpet in the kera Forest Research Institute (kfri) called on visitors to stop and think.
POOKKALAM of the first prize won inspiration not from myth or folklore, but from the legendary anti -war painting Pablo Picasso, created in 1937 in the shadow of the Spanish Civil War.
In the world scarred by the conflict – pulling from Gaza and Ukraine after Myanmar, Sudan, Yemen, Syria and Congo – Kfri Pockalam transformed Picasso monochrome shouts of anxiety into a colorful floral interpretation. It was more than just art, it was a request.
Each petal carried a layer of meaning. Transformation of Guernica from sharp black and white into live shades reflected the hope of life, peace and prosperity that Onam celebrates.
At the same time, it served as a reminder that the joy of festivals would not have a blind brutal reality that takes place around the world. Visitors received brochures carrying anti -war report and strengthen the topic.
The judges, moved both creativity and beliefs for work, awarded Pookkalam the first prize. “It was a flower protest, but also a floral promise – that protection, peace and memory were inseparable,” said TV Sajeev, the main scientist Kfri.
By teaching one of the most anti -war statements in history to the heart of the most popular Keraly festival, the Kfri team, each team of Kfri reminded that there was space and possible responsibility for the memory of pain in the world.
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Published – 3 September 2025 17:04
