From Bur Dubai’s bustling flower markets to convenient delivery options, here’s where to find fresh petals for your Onam Pookalam.
Dubai: The pookalam is at the heart of every Onam celebration — a vibrant floral carpet that is built up day by day from Atham to Thiruvonam, becoming more elaborate with each passing day. If you’re planning to make one at home this year, here’s where to find the flowers.
What you need
The pookalam is the heart of every Onam celebration — a vibrant floral carpet created day by day from Atham to Thiruvonam, becoming more elaborate with each passing day. If you’re planning to make one at home this year, here’s where you can find the flowers you need.
Traditional pookalams feature marigolds in rich shades of orange and yellow, fragrant jasmine, colourful roses, textured chrysanthemums, and lotus flowers often used as a centrepiece. For most designs, fresh petals are preferred over whole flowers, making it easier to create intricate patterns and details.
In-store options
Perumal Flower Shop is a well-known option in Bur Dubai for sourcing flowers for Onam. The shop has previously offered loose flowers and pookalam-specific arrangements during the festival season, with availability across its UAE locations. It’s best to call ahead and confirm stock, especially as Thiruvonam approaches.
Karama and Bur Dubai flower markets are among the most reliable walk-in options for loose petals and fresh stems during the Onam season. Many vendors stock up specifically for the festival, and flowers are typically sold by weight or by the bunch, depending on your requirements.
LuLu Hypermarket and Nesto Hypermarket also carry seasonal fresh flowers, making them handy options if you’re already shopping for sadhya ingredients.
Online with delivery
CheapFlowers.ae offers delivery across more than 100 neighbourhoods in Dubai, including Downtown, Dubai Marina, Bur Dubai and Deira. During the Onam season, the service also carries flower arrangements suitable for pookalams.
Carmel Flowers offers loose flowers for pookalams, with options starting from Dh145 and including favourites such as marigold and jasmine. Same-day delivery is available across Dubai.
Amazon.ae carries the FreshToHome Onam Flower Box, an 800g pookalam kit priced at Dh54. It includes a ready-to-use mix of dried and fresh petals, making it a convenient option if you’d rather skip the hassle of sourcing individual flowers.
Practical tips
Buy your flowers the evening before or on the morning you plan to make your pookalam. Fresh petals are best used within 24 hours, so store them in a cool place away from direct sunlight. If they start to wilt, a light misting of water can help freshen them up before you begin.
If you’re following the tradition of adding to your pookalam each day from Atham to Thiruvonam, it’s better to buy smaller quantities daily rather than stocking up for the entire festival. This keeps the petals fresh and gives you more flexibility to vary the colours and flowers each day.
