'Athapoo' is associated with which of the following festivals?
U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2011
A. Dol Yatra
B. Onam
C. Pongal
D. Vishwakarma Puja
Answer: Onam
Option b is the correct answer.
Athapoo or Pookalam is a term that refers to the floral carpet or rangoli made of flowers that is an integral part of the Onam festival in Kerala. Onam is a harvest festival that celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali, who was a benevolent ruler of Kerala. Athapoo or Pookalam is made by arranging different types of flowers in various patterns and designs on the floor. It is usually done in front of the house or in a public place. The tradition of making Athapoo or Pookalam is said to be a way of welcoming King Mahabali and expressing gratitude to nature for the bountiful harvest. The Athapoo or Pookalam is also a symbol of creativity, harmony, and joy among the people of Kerala.
Important Tips
Dol Yatra: Dolyatra, also referred as Doljatra, is a West Bengal-based regional holiday. In the states of Assam and Odisha, it also is celebrated as Dol Purnima. Holi and Dolyatra share the same day.
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil people in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India and the world. It involves cooking rice with milk and jaggery in a clay pot as an offering to the Sun God, and thanking him for the crops and prosperity.
Vishwakarma Puja is a festival that honors Vishwakarma, the divine architect and engineer in Hinduism. It involves worshipping tools, machines, vehicles, and other instruments that are used for work and production.