Onam

Keralam celebrated Onam on 16th September this year (2013) Festivities were slightly dampened by rains but the grandiose scale in which this festival is celebrated were really attempted to everywhere in the state. It has been my first Onam after getting posted back to own state. There was lot of travel just before onam as i had to travel to Delhi/NOIDA. Took family to Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala which is also my workspace at present. This is the place where Onam gets ample support from Government. There were a lot of decorative lamps literally on every tree and establishment, a lot of cultural programs and lot of people on the streets! Braving the evening drizzle, there were family outing to Museum, Vellayambalam Junction, Palayam etc. We also gave participation to otherwise thin audience at Nishagandhi open air auditorium where various classical dances were being performed every evening. My kids enjoyed the shows, outings and grand onam sadya (lunch) on 16th. I am sure Onam is celebrated by each malayalee remembering the just king 'Mahabali' and the golden era of justice and equality. Having lived outside the home state for considerable chunk of my youth, i can assure you that 'pravasi' celebrations are nearer to the true meaning of this festival! Anyway it is nice to be home during the season & thats the reason why many of the Kerala diaspora make it a point to come home during this festival.