Onam, fest of God's own country in city

Festive spirit

Mouth-watering halwa piled up on trays, fried chips made of banana, jack fruit, other snacks and traditional sweets, Nendram banana, ginger, dhotis, set mundam (traditional attire worn by women), pappads, fish pickles,  ... hold on you are not in Kerala, the ‘God’s own country’.

These are the products which were on display at the three-day Onam fair held in Mysore as part of Thiru Onam celebrations organised by Kerala Samaja at Vijayanagar from September 6. People, mostly Keralites, who have migrated to the City, were seen thronging stalls. There was a rage for the traditional costumes which sold like hot cakes. Speaking to City Herald, Cyril, who had organised the fair said the materials and food items which were exclusively brought from Kerala did a roaring business and the items were almost sold out well before the scheduled time which shows the popularity of the fair.

The samaja has also organised a cultural programme at the premises on September 18 as everyone would be busy on the Onam day and those who had gone on a festival holiday to their native places would have returned by that time.

The ever-traditional people of Kerala do not fail to follow all the customs and traditions set by their ancestors, wherever they are, either in Kerala or other places which is marked by a number of cultural programmes, dances and feasts.

Pookalam

The mere mention of Thiru Onam reminds you of intricately decorated huge Pookalam or flower carpet that is associated with the festival. Onam festival, which is one of the important festivals of Kerala is now not limited to the state alone and is celebrated across the country.

Onam sadya

Traditional hotels serving Kerala delicacies announce the spread of delicious Onam Sadya, where more than 20 items will be served on a plantain leaf, well in advance. The restaurants will see a heavy rush on the day not only by Keralites but also the locals who wish to have a huge spread of delicious native food of Kerala. Moreover, how can one resist the juicy avial with a mixture of vegetables and a dash of coconut oil, inji puli and rice payasam says Anup. The special treat brings the nostalgic memories of the festival to the migrated Keralites, who are settled in other parts of the country. 

While department of railways add additional trains to Kerala to facilitate extra rush who visit their place to celebrate the festival with near and dear ones, the other Kerala samajas have also organised several programmes as part of the festival in city.

Thiru Onam

Thiru Onam or Onam, has assumed a secular character and is celebrated by not only Hindus, but also other religions and communities too. The ten-day onam fest marks the homecoming of the legendary king Mahabali, when the rich tradition and culture of the country is displayed.

Kerala appears in its grandiose best on this day. Cultural extravaganza, music and feasts add colours of merriment and joy to the ‘God's Own Country’.