St Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church, Palavanthangal, recently celebrated Onam with the traditional sadya and Onam music.
A container filled to the brim with grains symbolised the emotions prevalent at the event – overflowing joy, excitement and kinship. The celebratory mood here belied the fact that this was a belated celebration of one of Kerala’s primary festivals.
Women were dressed in white-coloured saris with gold borders and adorned their hair with jasmine flowers, while the men wore the traditional mundus.
Cultural programmes, including a thiruvathiru dance recital by young women, a vanchipattu and koladi by youth members followed by Onasadya was served on banana leaves and people sat on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal. A variety of sports events were organised by the different teams present.
J M Raju, playback singer and music composer was the chief guest on the occasion. K C Abraham, vice-president of the church welcomed the gathering and explained the mythological significance behind the festival — the vamana avatar, in which Lord Vishnu brought to earth the haughty king, Mahabali. “Onam is truly the festival of the Malayalis,” he said.
Raju spoke about his family’s association with such events. “Onam is a festival that is close to every Malayali’s heart. It crosses all divides of caste and creed. We celebrate Onam not only in Kerala but also around the world.”
Latha Raju, playback singer and film actor, recounted her childhood onam celebration. She also dedicated a melodious song for all the parish members. Parish member and also the secretary of the parish, P D Issac spoke of the importance of the festival by stating that all members of the family come together to celebrate it and also helps to create an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood.