Onam celebrations 2013

[nandkumar]

Once again, we had quite an enjoyable Onam get-together on October 2, 2013. The first requirement of Onam celebrations is the traditional “Pookalam”, the floral decoration that graces the courtyard of every Kerala home, nowadays increasingly found in the lobby of apartment blocks or balconies as Malayalee lifestyle becomes upwardly mobile, in more than one sense.

A special thanks goes to Uma (Saju’s daughter), Nayana (Arun’s daughter), Sudha Krishnakumar, Mini and Swetha for creating not one but three “pookalams” at short notice. Since flowers were plentiful, they managed a big pookalam in the room, a smaller one outside and yet another floral arrangement to hide pigeon droppings near the entrance steps. The steps were also decorated with marigolds lined up on both sides.

The proceedings started with a prayer by Usha followed by Kaikottikali by Archana, Daya, Maya, Poornima, Sindhu and Suneethi. A superb performance.

The President’s address by Nandakumar Varma followed in which members were asked to consider feasibility of opening a face book page* for Dakksh to improve visibility and reach.  The significance of “sadya” in Malaylaee life was also touched upon.

Past president C S Rajan, in his speech, said Mahabali was not pushed down into Pathalam by Vamanan but sent to
Suthalam, a place akin to or even better than Swarga.

Past president Vijayan Punnathoor referred to the popular misconception of Mahabali as a pot bellied cartoon character. He also reminded the audience about the significance of October 2 as not only Gandhi Jayanthi but also as birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India who was at the helm during India’s second war with Pakistan in
1965.

This was followed by a quiz for children about famous Kerala personalities in various fields.  The children participated with
enthusiasm and enjoyed the show.

Since no Onam celebrations could be complete without songs. Amokh, Swetha and Usha pitched in with gusto. Then, we had Onam songs by a combined group of ladies and gentlemen. The performance, though little bit off key at times, was well received by the audience.

Then came the ever popular Antakshari between women and men’s teams. It had a twist this time in the sense that one word like “malar” was given and the teams had to keep singing songs with the word figuring till one of the teams gave up. By the time the flower wilted, it was time for lunch.

Lunch was followed by a tabla performance by little Uma, Saju’s daughter and more songs with Vishnu, son of Usha Krishnakumar, who returned after being away from Delhi during the past few years.

An impromptu Akshara Sloka Sadassu came up with members reciting various slokas, mostly learnt during childhood days. Tea with Parippu vada concluded the celebrations.

* Arun has created a facebook page for Dakksh. Please join in at the earliest.

regards,
 Nandakumar