City's Malayalees got a glimpse of Kerala through the vibrant exhibition of culture, music, art and traditions while celebrating Onam in a function organised at the Shankarda Hall by Ahmedabad Kerela Samajam.
Elaborate prayers are offered and special pujas performed during Onam by the household elders to usher in good harvest in the coming year. “Although this festival has its origin in Hindu mythology, Onam is celebrated by people of all faiths. The secular nature of Onam promotes unity and invites people to celebrate this pious day together” says Shiva Moorthy, who was a part of the celebrations.
The first day of Onam is known as 'Atham'. Making of 'Pookalam', the exquisite floral rangoli starts on this day and everyday a new design is added to the existing motif till 'Thiruvonam', the 10th and last day of the festival when the 'Aththa Poo' reaches an overwhelming size and most elegant design unfolds. Exotic Pookalams adorn the courtyards of many Malayalee houses even in the city.
Kaikottikali— a major highlight of the festival in the city every year — is a traditional elegant clap dance performed by dancers wearing the traditional attire consisting of gold bordered off-white 'mundu-neriyathu'. During the performance, women sing songs praising the legendary King Mahabali and dance around the floral rangoli. “The festivities have been scaled in the present time. In earlier days, Onam was celebrated for a month and much more bountifully” says C Gireesan, general secretary, Ahmedabad Kerela Samajam.
Onam is a harvest festival which falls during the Malayali month of 'Chingam', between August and September. It is celebrated over a period of ten-days, which culminates with grand celebration on the last day which this year falls on Wednesday. In the city some of the sports organised during the event are Onakalikal, Attakalam, Ambeyyal and KutuKutu. Kootukari, Payasam, Mor kuzhambu, dry fruit Kesari, banana halwa and chips, Pulissery and Mothagam are some of the main cuisines prepared for the day.
Besides new clothes children and all other members of the family exchange other gifts keeping in line with the community's tradition. “House cleaning began early this morning for all of us, in order to make everything look sparkling clean,” says Swati Menon, a homemaker.
“Onam is the most significant festival for Keralites. We had organised prize distribution for all the meritorious students from all our different wards of the city as a part of the function” says Mohanan Nambiar, president, Ahmedabad Kerela Samajam.
Various traditional folk art forms were performed on the occasion. Pulikali or tiger parade is the colourful spectacle featuring men with their bodies painted as tigers. “There are various rituals for each day and Keralites settled in Ahmedabad devotedly follow them. The entire day passes by with incredible merriment and piety” says Babu Ezhumavil, a member of Ahmedabad Kerela Samajam.
