The week long anticipation ends to day with the arrival Onam, nation... why global wide our Kerala brethren celebrate Onam today. Infact the ten day celebrations begin from today. And Onam is best to be seen in Kerala than anywhere else, delicacies are available where ever there is a Kerala home but the actual cynosure is there in the visit to the God's own land only. The ten day carnival begins today with Thiru Onam and is filled with feasting, boat races, song, dance and merriment, an what not. The celebration spectacle is marvelous and only can be figured when one visits the God's own land, as rightly termed by the intelligent. The carnival begins with a parades of caparisoned elephants, fireworks and the famous Kathakali dance. Infact the whole state is so electrified these days that it would be an ideal retreat form this concrete jungle, say travelers.
Early today a flower carpet is laid in front of every house to welcome King Mahabali who had been permitted by the divine lord, (in his Vamana avataar), to visit his subjects once a year. After the traditional pujas, the lavish feast 'Sadhya' commences. Sumptuous delicacies are served on a plantain leaf with Kerala's favorite aromatic Payasam. Wow! My mouth is watering even with the thought of the delicacy. In the evening many go out to meet friends and relatives after wearing new clothes. The festival is dominant because of the reason that this is the harvest time an even most poor farmers will have surplus around this time.
This Onam has become more enjoyable with the release of Mohan Lal, Run Baby Run. For all our Malayalee readers this film has been directed by Joshy. And you know the gorgeous Amala Paul is paired to our superstar in the film produced by Milan Jaleel for Galaxzy Films. And the most interesting part is, pshhh! Don't leak it out, I just overheard that the film is centered around media. With Mohan Lal at the helm, there is sure entertainment all the way. The script by Sachi is sure to keep one pinned down with punch notes!
But the most important thing during this festival that speaks of the rich heritage of the state, and found nowhere else in the world, are the boat races. 'Vallamkali' of Karuvatta, Payippad, Aranmula and Kottayam are all venues for a clash of the oarsmen. And the way they fight for honors is a real feast to the eyes. The Chundans or the snake like boats are driven by a team towards the winning mark. Then the 'Odis', the 'Churulans' and the 'Veppus' variety of boats neatly decked up show up to add glamor to the still river waters. The entire lot, oar in competition cheered by the river bank viewers. I cannot tell you how delightful or entertaining the experience is....but only a word to God....why only two eyes....(With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
