My tryst with Onam

The sheer excitement and fervour that is in the air around the time of Onam is hard to miss, says Suhas S IAS, as he recollects his very first Onam celebrations

Having heard and read so much about Onam, one of the biggest festivals in Kerala, I was always intrigued about its traditions and rituals. The legendary story of King Mahabali visiting his folks during the harvest festival, the beautiful floral carpet, the elaborate Sadhya, the traditional Thiruvathirakali, pulikali etc. were some of the images that played in my mind about Onam, but last year in 2013, I had the opportunity of experiencing it live for the first time.

I was being trained in Ernakulam district in the capacity of Assistant Collector last year and had the rare opportunity of organising the week long Onam celebrations conducted by Department of Toursim Promotion Council (DTPC) every year. Every evening, we organised cultural progammes and activities at Durbar Hall grounds,
which had performances by danseuse Shobana, musician Jerry Amaldev and so on. A visit to a tribal village in Kothamangalam for Onam was one I will never forget. There was a grand sadhya prepared and I ate alongside with the people of this remote village on a plantain leaf. Their bamboo rice payasam was unique and tasty.

Besides, I also enjoyed the Onam celebrations at the district hospital, Kochi and at various schools, where I was invited as the chief guest. I even had to give a speech in Malayalam on the occasion of Onam, which was my first attempt at speaking the local language. Believe me, it was tough to speak in Malayalam, even if it was just a few sentences!

The sheer excitement and fervour that is in the air around the time of Onam is hard to miss. What makes it really beautiful and worth cherishing is the way it is celebrated by all the people of Kerala, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. It was an experience I will never forget in a lifetime.

Salute to the indomitable spirit and enthusiasm of Malayalis across the world especially in the state, as each community tries to bring out the best of Onam flavour. This was my first-hand experience with one of the best festive seasons of God’s own country, surely the beginning of many more to come, as I look forward to a grand and colourful Onam this year also.

                                                  (The author is Sub Collector and SDM, Fort Kochi)