The Diwali celebration on November 2nd in downtown San Antonio brought not just one, but two remarkable achievements for the San Antonio United Malayalee Association (SUMA). Alongside our recognition in the River Parade, we are thrilled to announce that SUMA also earned a well-deserved 2nd place in the Diwali SA Rangoli Competition! This accomplishment stands as a testament to the dedication, skill, and community spirit of our amazing pookalam team.

The Art of Pookalam: A Celebration of Heritage and Craftsmanship

Pookalam, a traditional floral arrangement that embodies Kerala’s vibrant culture, played a central role in this year’s Rangoli competition. Our team poured their hearts into crafting an intricate and colorful pookalam that reflected not only their artistic skill but also the deep cultural heritage of Kerala. Their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment brought this beautiful tradition to life for all to appreciate, adding to the rich cultural tapestry showcased at San Antonio’s Diwali event.

SUMA’s pookalam team worked with boundless energy, carefully planning and executing a design that beautifully represented our culture and captivated the judges and audience alike. Each flower, petal, and color choice was thoughtfully arranged to create a display that was both traditional and innovative, embodying the spirit of unity and artistic excellence that our community is proud to uphold.

A Special Message from Diwali SA

Diwali SA expressed their gratitude for the dedication shown by all participants in this year’s competition, stating:

“We would like to once again thank you for your enthusiastic participation in the Diwali SA Rangoli Competition. We are pleased that the rangoli have been improving over the years and that we are doing our part to preserve the ancient technique right here in San Antonio.”

After careful evaluation by independent judges using a detailed rubric that assessed overall presentation and specific criteria, the final results were announced:

1.  1st Place - Tamil Nadu
2.  2nd Place - Kerala (SUMA)
3.  3rd Place - Maharashtra

Acknowledging the Team’s Dedication and Commitment

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and passion of each and every member of our pookalam team. Their hard work, creativity, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in bringing this success to fruition. A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers and supporters who played a role in making this day unforgettable. Your contributions have made our community shine!

Inspiring the Community and Preserving Tradition

Winning 2nd place in the Rangoli Competition is a meaningful achievement for SUMA and serves as an inspiration for all. It reflects our commitment not only to celebrate our heritage but also to share it with others, preserving an ancient art form that speaks to our cultural roots. Through the Diwali SA celebrations, we continue to strengthen our bonds with one another and create lasting memories that honor our shared traditions.

Congratulations to all participants and winners, and thank you to everyone who supported us! This is yet another proud moment for our community and a wonderful example of what we can achieve together.

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