‘Onam’-from God’s Own Country-Kerala celebrated in Mangalapuram by Kerala Samajam

‘Onam’-from God’s Own Country-Kerala celebrated in Mangalapuram by Kerala Samajam

Onam Unnan Bhagyam Veenam! ‘Onam’-Simbly Traditional! and Simbly Awesome! from God’s Own Country-Kerala celebrated in Mangalapuram (Mangaluru in Malyalam) by Kerala Samajam members on Saturday, 9 September 2017 at Sanganiketan Hall, Mangaluru with Zeal and Gaiety

Mangaluru: Seems like Onam brought our local politicians from two opposition parties together, who sat together during the Onam celebrations organized Kerala Samajam-Mangaluru on Saturday, 9 September 2017 at Sanganiketan Hall, Mangaluru. Although the other day, during the “Mangaluru Chalo” rally, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and Former BJP Minister Krishna Palemar had lashed out at CM Siddaramaiah’s congress government, and had also demanded the resignation of district-in-charge minister Ramanath Rai- but today the atmosphere was completely different- peaceful and friendly, with Kateel and Palemar shaking hands with Ramanath Rai, and also having some jovial moments between MLC Ivan D’souza, MLA JR Lobo and MCC Mayor Kavitha Sanil- all seated in the front row. Wow- the power of Onam, brought unity and peace between the rivals?

“Life becomes a festival when gaiety and culture blend. Onam delivers the message of both.”- and this quote became reality as “Onam Feast” was celebrated with zeal and gaiety at various parts in the City. Onam is a big Feast in Kerala where high-spirited Keralites celebrate it with gaiety and fervor. The festival is celebrated for a period of ten days, starting from the first day Atham and continuing till tenth and the biggest day called Thiru Onam. And in the Education Hub-Mangaluru, where there are a large number of students from Kerala, and also many Keralites settled in Mangalapuram (Mangaluru) the celebration of Onam Feast takes place every year, and this year was no exception either.

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.

Women folk make special arrangements to welcome Onathappan. Flower carpets are laid in the front courtyards with dedication and full sincerity. A grand meal is prepared on the day of Thiru Onam. It is on this day that Maveli’s spirit visits Kerala. One of the most marvelous facets of Onam is the unfolding of its rich and well-established culture. We see not just glimpses but a whole gamut of it in the ten-day-long carnival. Pulikali, Kaikottikali, Kummattikalli, Kathakali, Thumbi Thullal besides several other folk arts and traditions can be seen on one platform called Onam. The beauty of the festival lies in it’s secular fabric. People of all religions, castes and communities celebrate the festival with equal joy and verve. Onam also helps to create an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood by way of various team sports organised on the day. Onam is the passion of the people of Kerala. And, pride of India!

Various traditional competitions are conducted such as ‘pookalam’ (floral mat) and ‘vadamvali’ (tug of war) as well as various other games around the City. High point of the day was the enormous lunch called Onam Sadya. People of Kerala are extremely passionate about this. Even if they cannot easily afford, they will anyhow prepare the meal inclusive of all the 11-13 prescribed dishes. This has lead to the saying in Malayalam, “Kanam Vittu Onam Unnanam” which means, “We should have the Thiruonam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties” . For decades Kerala Samajam has hosted this “Onam” celebrations inviting the VIP’s, well-wishers, politicians, district officials and others to join in the celebrations, and also for the sumptuous lunch ” Onasadya”. Prior to the formal function, flower arrangement ” pookalamalsaram” contest was conducted, where many participated.

The guests for this mega Onam celebration were Minister Ramanath Rai, MLC Ivan D’souza; MLA J R Lobo; MCC Mayor Kavitha Sanil; MP Nalin Kumar Kateel; MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer; Sadanand Shetty- Chairman, Sri Devi Institutions; H Kumar- MD of MRPL; former minister Krishna J Palemar. Various cultural events were held prior to the formal function comprising of dances/songs by Kerala samajam Women’s Wing; and also mesmerizing dance performances “Nrithyabhishekam” by the disciples of Sri Balakrishna Manjeshwar. Students from Kerala Samajam who got good grades in SSLC exams were felicitated during the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Nalin 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. Its’ nice of Kerala Samajam to invite the different communities from the City to join in their celebrations”

Ramanath Rai addressing the gathering said that 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. But with the invasion of Western culture, few Kerala youth have lost the true spirit of Onam. Let each of our actions be a yajna for universal good. May the new clothes we wear be that of Dharma and faith. May our hearts be united in love and joy, and make life an everlasting Tiruvonam. Thus we can retrieve the lost Onam. Let the Onam culture and tradition continue “. MLA J R Lobo also speaking said that 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”. MLC Ivan and Sadanand Shetty also spoke and extended their Onam wishes to the crowd.

Speaking to Team Mangalorean, a lady member of Kerala samajam said, ” “We celebrate Onam to commemorate a glorious past. All of us yearn for a time like that of King Mahabali, a time when prosperity, joy and love blended. But in order to realize this dream we need to put forward creative and sustained effort.” The best part of the function was the sumptuous food “Onasadya” where hungry food-buffs dined on 23 different types of dishes prepared by 10 chefs along with 10 assistant cooks for nearly 1500 people. The meal items included Sarakar Upperi, Ethaka Chips, Puli Inchi, Naranga Achar, Manga Achar, Oolan, Avial, Pachadi, Pineapple Pachadi, Thoran, Kootu Curry, Eressery, Thiyal, Chore, Parippu, Neyyu, Pappadam, Sambhar, Pazham, Rasam, Mor, Parippu Prathaman, Palada Prathaman, Semiya Payasam, among others.

On behalf of Team Mangalorean, Onam wishes to members of Kerala Samajam and Keralites, “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…”

I end this column with thought-provoking words from Translation of popular quote: “Maaveli Naadu Vaanidum Kalam..” –

“When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people had equality.
And people were joyful and merry;
They were all free from harm.
There was neither anxiety nor sickness,
Death of the children was never even heard of,
There were no lies,
There was neither theft nor deceit,
And no one was false in speech either.
Measures and weights were right;
No one cheated or wronged his neighbor.
When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people formed one casteless race.”

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