Onam Memories 2009 – Marthoma Youth League

September 6th 2009, We Just Cherished the spirit of Onam and enjoyed  its breathtaking vistas…. Simply we guys put our best foot forward and gyrate to the clapping rhythms of kaikottikali from our very own friends in AIISH, we indulged  ourself in the adventures and thrill of Onakkalikal. Onam celebration just regalesd everyone to the hilt.. Such a Nice Feeling at the end of the day.

.

Onam undoubtedly the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala came knocking at us, and I would not be wrong in saying that we guys at Mar Thoma Youth League received it with open heart. Prepared for the feast, with just one thought in mind- “Time for some fun” and we made sure those 48 hours just belonged to us.

Onam is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state of Kerala by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. But for us Onam was full of fun and fellowship. Late night practices for the play, mid night photo shoots, 3 am flower carpet completion, True Nostalgia now.

Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar. This corresponds with the month of August-September. The Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam, the most important of all. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam. We tried our level best to bring that dynamic event called Onam be in the air of Mysore and I can proudly say it did happen. Felt like being in Kerala away from Kerala.

For Malayalees like us who are settled outside Kerala and who cannot make it to Kerala during Onam time, the above said fun and frolic are just in books and televisions, but our spirits never die. We still have community, friends and loved ones in whose amidst we have no scope to miss Kerala. We got along with it and made the best Onam celebrations possible at Mysore, perhaps a thousand times better than what it could have been, had I been in Kerala. 2009 Onam for me was scheduled to be with my cousins in Cochin.  The last minute change of plan of not going to Kerala for this Onam, but to celebrate with youth league paid it off. No regrets. Had one of the best Onam with my friends here.

Many many Thanks to Achan and Kochamma who gave their complete support for hosting the Feast. Not to forget the support of my friends from AIISH, Preethi, Simmy and Somy, who played the sheath anchor role. Hats off to you Guys!! You were the real motivation behind the youth league. I am sure, once you all leave, the Vacuum created will never be an easy task. Your organizing and leadership skills is to be really appreciated. How I wish all the AIISH sisters were present, but Leah could not make it up. We really really did Miss you Leah.

Not to forget the support of my Friend Santosh, who came all the way from Kasargod, to be the part of our celebrations. A true booster on that day. Will remember you Santosh! Koshy uncle, Saji uncle, and Sherly aunty in whose blood the spirit of youth runs. It’s your support and motivation that drove us. Made us bring, the real youth in us. Whenever & where ever there is a good leader to lead right from the front, every foot step taken by others will lead to success. You people are the example for it. The reason for the success to reach the paramount.

For my friends, especially Shreya, Rahul Vidyarthi, Rashmi, Palli, Ganathi and all others, who ask me what is Onam? What’s the big deal and excitement about Onam? My answer would be in the form of a small story. The story goes on to tell that during the reign of mighty Asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was extremely egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali’s character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali’s growing popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached. It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.

But, at Mar Thoma Church Mahabali came in the Avatar of Manu, who just made everybody sit on the edge of the chair and just gaze upon him. Good Job Manu. You actually made me think how the real king Mahabali could have been. Again courtesy Sherly Aunty for the quick makeover of Manu to King Mahabali.

Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner. So did we do at Mar Thoma church. Kept the best foot forward and made the best preparations possible with limited time made available to us. From Cultural programmes, to skits, to Vallamkali, Vadamvali and the ultimate Onam Sadhya. Success was at its paramount. Sense of satisfaction is what I was feeling at the end.

Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colorful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators. We did not let even that fun to be missed at Mysore. We made sure even that was there in our list of events. We moved the boat on high spirits singing “Kuttanadan Punchayile”. The song was well remixed with the help of our Remix DJ’s Sherly Aunty, Saji Uncle and Santosh. We sailed the boat home safely. Though the boat was stationery, with the spirit of song touching its peak we made sure the boat moved and river Pampa came sailing to Mysore for which I did my bit.

There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti Kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti Kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations. If not for everything mentioned above, we did manage to have few of the adventures at our celebrations too like Vadamvali, musical chair, elephant tail etc. For Malayalees like us away from Kerala Kaikotti Kali is just in TV’s, but our friends from AIISH made each of us witness in front of us. Thanks Preethi, Simmy, Somy and Team.

Like they say, all good things come to an end. We ended two days of fun and frolic, but definitely not on a sad note. With lot of memories and hopes that another Onam is just 11 months away. I had two best days of my life that will never fade so easily.

Nilavilakinte Parishudhiyum, Tumbapoovinte Nairmalyavumai,
Samathanumthinatium….santhoshavumthinatium….. aishwariyavumthinatium……
ormakal puthukuvan veendum oru onam kudi… Athinu niracharuthuekkuvan
Niranja Snehathode Ende ONAM Ashamsagal.

I would like to end my post on Onam memories 2009 with a small message which i received from my friend. It’s always good to end things laughing. So here it is:

Oru full bottilum oru litre sodayum pinne oru chickanum
thottunakkan acharum,
Manassil orupadu pratheekshayumayi
veendum oru onam varavaayi !!!!
“HAPPY ONAM”