BJP Malayali Cell K’taka hosts ‘Malayali Sangamam’ and ‘Onam Celebration’
Mangaluru: “Keraliya thanima thottunarthunna, malayalikalude hrudayathe, pookkalam kondu theerkkunna, naavil ruchiyeriya vibhvangalumayi, ee ponnonathe varavelkaam”- that’s one of the Onam greetings in Malayalam language. Happy Onam! Onam is that time of the year when the cultural ethos of Kerala is in full vigour. No doubt that Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala. But, there is a lot more to Onam than being just a festival. Onam reflects the faith of the people of Kerala; A belief in their legendary past, religion and power of worship. It shows the high spirit of the people who go out of the way to celebrate the festival in the prescribed manner and a grand fashion.
Onam awaits one very special visitor, Kerala’s most loved legendary King Maveli. He is the King who once gave the people a golden era in Kerala. The King is so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily. It is in honour of King Mahabali, affectionately called Onathappan, that Onam is celebrated. And Keralites all over the world celebrate this feast with fervor and gaiety. And as they say better late than never, even though “Onam” feast started from 25 August and ended on 6 September, but there are few people and a few organizations, who believe “what’s in a date anyhow” , celebrate Onam in any day in the Month of September.
And for that matter, BJP Malayali Cell Karnataka hosted ” Malayali Sangamam” and “Onam Celebrations” on Sunday, 17 September 2017 at Sujir C V Nayak Hall, Near Bunt’s Hostel-Mangaluru from 10 am onwards. Regarding the Spiritual significance of Onam according to mythology, King Mahabali was the greatest king of Kerala and it was during his reign that the local people saw the best of times; prosperity and grandeur ruled everywhere. To end Mahabali’s rule on earth, Lord Vishnu emerged as a Vaman (short Brahmin) and tricked the King to give him whatever land he had. Thereby, King Mahabali was sent to a lower world; but Vishnu also granted him a boon that he could visit his land once every year. Onam celebrates this home-coming of the King. And here at the Onam celebration the guests were greeted by a impersonator of King Mahabali impersonator, who was attired in traditional costume to thrill!
The characteristic floral designs known as ‘pookkalam’ are symbolic of this festival- and a beautiful “pookkalam” was created and displayed at the entrance of the hall, where guests took selfies in front of it, joined by King Mahabali ? The chie guest for the occasion MP Nalin Kumar Kateel inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the traditional lamp, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Former State Minister Krishna J Palemar; Former Speaker Yogish Bhat; RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat; MCC Corporator Roopa D Bangera; V Ravindran- Co-Convener, BJP Malayali Cell Karnataka (MCK) ; Gopinath Venneri- Convener-BJP-MCK; Prof. Richard Hay- Hon. member of the parliament; Padmanabha- Ex- Kerala State Minister; Vedavyasa Kamath- President, BJP Mangaluru South Constituency; Sanjay Prabhu- Incharge BJP Cell-DK; C S Pradeep Kumar- Convener, BJP Malayali Cell, South Constituency; among others.
Addressing the gathering MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, ” Among all the feasts in India, Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam. Government of India has taken due notice of this vibrant and colorful festival. Without any differences in religion, Onam is celebrated by all. It is a very colorful and traditional feast, and I am happy to be part of this great celebration. Malayalees are always Malayalees no matter where they go, where they are and what they do. They live in unity and follow their culture and tradition very seriously. This Onam feast is the proof for it, where you can experience the different culture, tradition and food of Kerala”.
“Not only Hindus but Christians and Muslims also celebrate Onam. It is one such festival that unites all the people regardless of race and religion. The colourful festival of Onam is an attraction for thousands of people within Kerala and outside the State. The State Government itself has taken the initiative to celebrate Onam season as tourist festival with the motive of attracting tourists. Various cultural forms, old and new, are presented in all-important towns in the state during the festival. Onam is of special importance as it unites people of all religions, and It also spreads the message of unity and peace in society.” added Kateel. Many other dignitaries on the dais also spoke, and the “Onam celebration” looked like a “political Stunt”, where speeches made by these guests hinted at making BJP a strong party in Kerala.
Prior to the formal function, various cultural performances were held, including traditional Onam dances. The vote of thanks was proposed by C S Pradeep Kumar, while the comperes for the vent were Shivaprasad, and Ms Vincy Thomas- a Teacher at Sharada Vidyalaya. Following the morning formal function, the guests were treated to a sumptuous meal called “onam sadya”. Over 13 dishes were served on banana leaves comprising of rice along with different dishes, pickles and papads. A characteristic sweet dish called ‘payasam’ wa also served made of rice, milk, sugar and coconut.
After lunch, cultural programme began featuring orchestra performances by Kaitha pram Damodaran Namboodiri (a lyricist and music director) from Payannur-Kerala; and also dances by Deepankuran and Kum. Keerthana (Mailanchi Season 3 Winner and ‘Munch’ star fame). For the closing ceremony, the guests of honor were -V P Krishnaraj-Convener, BJP Malayali Cell DK; T K Rajan- President, Kerala Samajam, Mangaluru; and Badarinath Kamath- Co Convener, MSME Cell, BJP Karnataka.
“Ella Malayalikalum Onam Unnanam!”- Hope this Onam brings in good fortune and abounding happiness to you! Wish you and your family a frivolous Onam! May this Feast be the forerunner of good luck and joyfulness and may it bring you joy, that lasts all year! May the spirit of Onam remains everywhere – in whatever you do, whatever you think and whatever you hope in your life. We wish you all a very Happy Onam….enjoy the festival with lovely Onam wishes and Onam Greetings all month long?…”
