The rain-soaked grounds, a wide floral spread, a string of foot-tapping regional music, the performance of ‘Mohiniyattam’ and theme-based dance portraying the significance of ‘Thiruvonam’ were a visual treat on the occasion of ‘Onam’ celebrated by the Malayalis at Raja Rajeswari Kalakshetram here on Sunday.
With most Malayalis heading to their hometowns to celebrate the harvest festival next week, Kairali Arts Club, one of the local community associations, celebrated it a week ahead.
Hundreds of Keralites, who have been living in the city for decades, made their way to the venue to listen to the classical tracks of K. J. Yesudas and witness a series of classical and semi-classical dance performances as part of the programme.
Some of the Keralites said that ‘Thiruvonam’ used to be celebrated consecutively for 28 days. Most places in Kerala don a festival atmosphere for the entire month as temples and several associations would come together to conduct ‘Onam’ festival on a grand note.
Reminiscing the olden days of the festivities, president of the club N. Dhanapalan said: “Earlier, the festival celebrations begin in the month of Chingam (one of the Malayalam months which is considered auspicious) and would continue for 28 days. With the traditional spirit of celebrations slowly fading away for varied reasons, now we end up making merry for four to five days.”
The arrival of the legendary king ‘Mahabali’ added charm to the festival mood. Adding flavour to the day-long programme, chefs from Kerala dished out 24 varieties of regional delicacies including ‘kuttu-kari’, ‘aviyal’, ‘thoran’, ‘ada-pradhaman’ and ‘pal-payasam’ as part of ‘Onam-sadhya’.
Minister for HRD Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Divisional Railway Manager Anil Kumar and ADCP (Special Branch) Mohammed Khan, among others, participated in the celebrations.
