Ushering the festive season
Onam,
the colourful and picturesque festival represents the spirit of God's own
country. Even in the busy schedule of modern life, it is a nostalgia in the
minds of every Malayali.
In fond memory of the benevolent King Mahabali, the people of Kerala celebrate
Onam as a harvest festival with all pomp and splendour. No other festival
evokes so much nostalgia among Malayalis
as Onam does. It is a time when everyone reflects on the wonderful past - a
time when the King Mahabali ruled
Kerala, a time when the land was most prosperous and splendid, and boasted of a
classless society where equality and justice prevailed.
For the older generation, Onam brings to mind the
lush green village fields, early morning scuffle for flowers for the pookalam,
onakodi (new dress), pulikali, boat race and of course, the
lavish onasadhya on a plantain leaf. For many youngsters, it is the time
for school vacations, a visit to the native place and fun time with family and
friends.
A non-resident Keralite finds Onam
as a time to connect with his/her homeland and many visit their home land
during this season. Irrespective of the caste, creed, religion and social
status, people come together to celebrate this festival. Whichever part of the
globe they are in, a Keralite never misses the onam celebrations. That’s the
spirit of Onam - a festival that every Keralite holds so dear to his/her heart.
- sherene joseph
- sherene joseph
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