The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Festive mood in Kanyakumari district

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Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Festive mood in Kanyakumari district

COLOURFUL: Students preparing the rangoli to mark ’Thiruonam.’

‘Chingam Perenthal Pon Onam’ is a proverb. People from various walks of life irrespective of castes are preparing to celebrate the festival.

It is an inter-religious function, as most of the people speaking Tamil would also celebrate Onam festival.

Athapoov (floral decoration) would be laid for 10 days and the people would decorate their ‘Muttrom’ — front portion of the house with flower.

In Kanyakumari district, there is a temple for Sree Bala Krishna, known as Onakovil at Vadaserry in Nagercoil. The then King of Travancore State gave permission to weavers from Balaramapuram in Thiruvananapuram to undertake weaving.

The King also settled them at Vadaserry so that the loyal family could get quality clothes and expert weavers.

Recognising the helping hand extended by the then King, the weavers from Valliyoor in Tirunelveli district who migrated to Nagercoil would also participate in the Onam festival.

It may be noted that the then King allowed a few people from Valliyoor to settle here to weave the ‘Kasavu Moondu’ for the family of the then Kings. Later the Kasavu Moondu is known as ‘Onakodi’

Kilianthaatu (exclusively played by the young girls), Kummiyattam (also organised by ladies), Kuzipanthayattam and Thumpithullal (children) would be organised in different parts of the district, particularly in the erstwhile capital of Travancore State, Padmanabhapuram.

‘Kanam Vittuingilum Onam Kondadanam’ (the Onam would be celebrated after selling the pulses – intercrop among the paddy).

The ‘Onam Sathya’ would include dal with gee and pappad along with sambar and pulicherry (prepared by pineapple with curd) and nine verities of ‘Koottu’ (other dishes).

Three type of ‘poisms’ including paladai, kadala and semia with ‘Boli’ would also be prepared in all houses in the district.

The visitors from different places including different casts and religion with their family would be invited to participate in the ‘Onam Sathya.’

A common feast would also be organised in many temples in Kanyakumari district in view of Onam.

The district administration declared a local holiday on September 12.

P.S. Suresh Kumar

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