Jalahalli, the mini-Kerala inside the City, is indeed the place to be in to celebrate Onam today. Apart from the over two lakh Malayalee population creating a festive atmosphere in the area, Malayalees from all over Bangalore will flock to the Jalahalli Sree Ayyappan temple, popularly known as ‘The Second Sabarimala.’
It would be a sight to watch as devotees troop inside the temple in traditional attire right from 4 am to receive the blessings of Lord Ayyappa, said V R Nair president of the temple. “This will continue till noon and then restart at 5 pm and continue till 8.30 pm. A colourful attraction will be the Pookalam (floral arrangement) which will be designed on the floors of the temple and will witness enthusiastic participation from the devotees.”
The auspicious day will mark the release of the audio CD of  Jalahalli Sree Ayappa Suprabatham at the temple. The song is rendered by Subhalakshmi Krishnamoorthy, music is by Chami and the lyrics are by P T Narendra Menon.
“Onam is more an occasion to be spent with one’s family and friends, relishing the home-cooked feast or Onam Sadhya, which will have over 25 items to savour,” Nair added. No wonder it’s unstoppable business for the shops around this area, which are flooded with varieties of banana as well as crisp and delicious chips, brought down directly from Kerala. Gokul of Gokul Fruit Stall, a 43-year-old shop, has ordered a lorry-load of `Nendram Pazham’ from Kerala.  Onam special papads, banana sweet and banana chips, all exported from Guruvayoor, are briskly moving off the shelves.
Sunita Bakery’s Subramanyan says, “Rice ada used for making Paalada Pradhanam is the most sought-after item. A special item introduced this year is the Jackfruit jam, which is getting a good response.”  
The Kerala Samajam at Bangalore Cantonment Zone will have its Onam celebrations on September 9, said C K Manoharan.  Cultural and sports  competitions will mark the occasion, which will be held at it’s office in R T Nagar and the final meet will be held on September 15. 
Almost 2000 people will be served the Onam Sadhya. This will be followed by dance and cultural programmes and the traditional Ottam Thullam will be performed by a professional troupe from Kerala. Mimics, karaoke, songs by Cochin Manzoor and a Malayalam drama by Angamali Natakanilayam will figure among other attractions.
SL