Hyderabad: The Malayali community in the city on Sunday, geared up for the vibrant Onam festivities. The event, organised by the Nair Service Society, took place in Bowenpally and was graced by the presence of Aditya Varma, the prince of Travancore Palace. The celebration began with the attendees observing a moment of silence to honour the victims of the tragic landslide in Wayanad, reflecting the community’s solidarity and compassion.
Onam, a harvest festival deeply rooted in Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, symbolises the return of the legendary King Mahabali, whose reign is believed to have been a golden era of prosperity and happiness. It is a time when families decorate their homes with beautiful floral arrangements called ‘Pookalam’, and enjoy the traditional meal known as ‘Sadya.’ The venue was adorned with colorful decorations, including intricate flower carpets and traditional oil lamps, creating a mesmerizing ambiance.
Attendees, dressed in traditional attire, eagerly participated in various cultural programs that showcased the heritage of Kerala. Prince Aditya Varma , speaking about the significance of Onam, said, “Onam is a time for unity and celebration. It reminds us of the importance of coming together as a community and cherishing the bonds we share.
I am delighted to be part of this joyous occasion and to witness the enthusiasm of the Malayali community in the city.” He also emphasized the relevance of harvest festivals, adding, “The world around us is becoming a concrete jungle, and it is festivals like Onam that remind us of the value of nature.” The cultural programs were a highlight of the event, featuring captivating performances of traditional dances.
The guest of honour Vinod Menon praised the efforts behind the celebration, saying, “It is an honour to contribute to the hard work of our compatriots. We must continue serving both our community and society.” The ‘Mannatacharya Puraskar’ an award recognizing individuals for exceptional work, was presented to Kannata Surendran Nair for his philanthropy and service.
As the celebration continued, attendees were treated to a sumptuous sadya, a vegetarian feast. We also published the following articles recently Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Bengaluru: Festival of tradition, eco-friendliness, community spirit Apartment complexes across Bengaluru are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm through traditional rituals, cultural events, and eco-friendly practices. Residents participate in clay Ganesha-making workshops to promote sustainability.
The festival brings the community together, highlighting India's cultural heritage with activities for all age groups. BMC celebrates Onam with elderly Bharata Mata College in Kochi marked Onam with a special celebration for senior citizens from Thrikkakara, including games and cultural activities. Organized by BeFORE and Vayomitram initiative, the event brought together over 50 elderly participants to interact with students.
Municipality chairperson Radhamani Pillai inaugurated the festivities, while Principal Lizzy Kachappilly presided over the event. Onam 2024: Know Date, History, Significance of Keralas Biggest Festival Onam is a ten-day harvest festival celebrated in southern India to honor the return of King Mahabali. In 2024, it will take place from September 6 to September 15.
The festivities include floral decorations, grand feasts known as Onam Sadya, boat races called Vallam Kali, and traditional dances like Pulikali..
