Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Entertainment | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Onam for all

Onam is what unifies every Malayali, irrespective of his/her religion

PHOTO: C. RATEESHKUMAR

FESTIVITIES Onam spirit is in the air

Festivals mean joyous occasions for different communities. For a country as large as ours, with multi-religious, multi-ethnic diversities religious functions are a dime a dozen and life turns into one big celebration: Of prayers and processions, gifts and games, and food and music. And yet, once in a while there comes a certain festival that does celebrate this unity in diversity. Onam is indeed one such occasion, which has acted as a leveller, bringing together the people of the State.

It would have been difficult to envisage a few decades earlier, the kind of cultural popularity that Onam has gained in the hearts and minds, of Keralites, despite their religious differences. At the time, it was mostly considered a Hindu festival, where people of other faiths would, occasionally, partook in the Onam sadya, when invited by their neighbours or friends. But today, Onam has become a symbol of cultural identity. It's testimony to the fact how tolerance, love and compassion can break barriers of religion, uniting people as one.

The excitement begins a month ahead, thanks to the media and savvy marketing. The various food melas, discount shopping, cultural events etc are enough to keep that feel good factor. Muslim and Christian households too get abuzz with activity, preparing for the D-day.

Says, Rachel, a degree student, " Onam is a great time to indulge in that sumptuous sadya. For a joint family like ours it's the perfect time for family bonding. We have the traditional sadya, where all of us sit on the floor and eat from the banana leaf. Nothing can beat that feeling." Community living (apartments, colonies, etc), which are on the rise, especially in cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthpuram, have added to this bonhomie. Children have a blast at the Pookkalam, and the women, all decked up in the traditional Kerala sari, have a go at the kaikottikali, irrespective of their religious denominations. Sajida Ashraf, a resident at Link Heights, Panampilly Nagar, says, "Everyone participates in the various programmes organised by the residents. We have been celebrating Onam at the apartment premises for the past several years and it's something everyone looks forward to."

Cultural fusion is at its zenith during Onam. While hotels in the city are in a race to innovate and entertain the public, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus that cater to the eclectic palates, the households are not far behind.

Says Sindhu, a homemaker, "Though at our home we do have the usual Onasadya, chicken biryani and fish preparations are a must for my husband and kids." Schools and colleges also conduct various functions and competitions, before they wind up for the Onam holidays.

Meanwhile King Mahabhali must be a content man seeing his kingdom achieve that near Utopian reality, as it once was.

Husna Mohammad

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail