Delhi groups ask Onam households to give Pookalam flowers a second life

Marigold, rose and jasmine petals used in Delhi NCR’s Onam Pookalams can become compost, natural dyes and handcrafted goods after the festivities.

At Hansraj College, the Enactus team’s Project Mehr is offering to collect used Pookalam flowers directly or arrange pick-ups. Ashutosh Patnaik, a second-year Delhi University student with the team, said 10 to 12 students collect floral waste from homes and temples to make potpourri, natural colour dyes and compost. The group also works with an NGO to train members of the transgender community to make new products from the material.

The Delhi-based Gulmeher Foundation is also seeking flowers used in rangolis and home poojas during the festive season. It collects unsold flowers from Ghazipur market as well, then dries them for stationery, accessories and natural rangoli colours. Residents can ship floral waste to the foundation.

The drive accompanies a week of Onam sadhyas and community celebrations across Delhi NCR.