Reminiscing The Good Old Onam Times
The vibrant coloured Pookalams in every nook and corner, the smell of delicious Payasam in the air, the auspicious white & gold Kasavu visible throughout the street — yes, that's the Onam we remember. Oh, those were the times we took for granted. Going ‘Onam shopping’ with your family for the much-awaited Onakkodis, up with 10 different designs for the floral carpets and finally savouring and enjoying the rich flavours of the Ona-Sadya.
There’s something too special about Onam that hits a chord in the hearts of all Keralites. Is it because of the mandatory holidays provided by all institutions, private and public alike? Or, is it the omnipresent festive atmosphere, with Onam songs echoing through loudspeakers at the crowded Onam Fairs? Perhaps, it’s seeing every other building decorated with flowers? Or, maybe it’s randomly watching a couple of Mahabalis walk through the street, accompanied by Pulikkali and Chendamelam. Or, it’s the feeling of family that Onam gifts us, getting new clothes from your extended family members and having the big lunch together on Thiruvonam! Whatever it is, we can all agree that it’s the one festival that brings all Malayalis together, as we eagerly welcome our old ruler back for a little visit.
Let’s take a quick peek at the Onam Celebrations that happen across campuses in Kerala. Since, Onam is more of an emotion (cliche, yes, I’m aware) for all Malayalis, I’m assuming most people follow these traditions.
The anticipation for Onam begins months in advance. It’s that one day of the year, you can dress up in traditional, festive attire with your friends and just be true-blue Malayalis. Shopping for these attires, whether it’s a Kerala saree or a Kasavu Mundu, or even finding the perfect pair from your parents’ collection, happens after months of build-up and excitement.
The week before Onam Celebration is quite busy. Teachers are going on with the portions at full swing, trying to finish off as much as they can before the holidays start. At the same time, you have to do all your last-minute shopping for the big day, come up with spectacular designs for the floral carpet, buy flowers in bulk & arrange for the Ona-Sadya.
When we mention Onam celebrations at college, we can’t help but thank the Organising Committee, who puts aside their enjoyment to give us the best Onam ever. Whether it’s making sure the Chendamelam arrives on time, or the Mahabali is in the prescribed costume or just making sure no one gets too out of hand with all the ongoing events, they go out of their way to give us a unique experience.
In women’s colleges across the state, Onam is one of the biggest events of the year. There’s, of course, the build-up of actually wearing a saree. This, combined with the fact that around two girls in a hostel know how to actually drape the saree, makes it an adventure the Onam Celebration morning. Some even take a step ahead and wear Jubba and Mundu! Then there’s the traditional Thiruvathirakkali that is performed, followed by dances to other popular Malayalam beats. Sometimes, this is followed by an Uriyadi competition too (hit-the-pot). Oh and not to forget girls in Sarees, metaphorically roll up their sleeves, to participate for the tug-of-war competition.
Onam At MEC
Onam at MEC is quite the celebration. With happy colours in every corner of the verandah and amphitheatre, it gives everyone a break from the usual white and grey we’re used to. The day starts off with the class-wise Pookalam competition, with every class trying to outdo the other. Mind you, these designs are prepared days in advance, after trying out different colours and combinations in Photoshop!
Once the Pookalam Competition is done, the Maveli arrives and walks through the corridors to the amphitheatre, followed by the Chendamelam and a procession of all of us, giddy with excitement. This little procession culminates at the amphitheatre, with everyone dancing to the energetic sound of the drums. I wish I could tell you how long it lasts for, but honestly, everyone loses track of time in that atmosphere. You are jumping to the beats of the drums, dancing with your friends, right in the heart of the college. It would be surprising if one didn't lose track of time.
This is followed by the Ona-Sadya, everyone serving food for each other, like one big happy family. And by then the results of the Pookalam competition are announced too! Towards, the end of the day the Vadam Vali (tug-of-war) competition takes place too. Oh, not to mention the fact that there are photoshoots happening every two minutes, with every possible permutation and combination of a group/class.
This year, Onam will not be what it used to be. Stuck in our homes, isolated from the rest of our family and friends, we will all miss the togetherness that Onam brought forth. However, maybe this time, we can remember the true spirit of Onam — redemption & resilience. It is that day of the year when our old ruler who was stamped into the earth, is welcomed back with open arms. This festival is symbolic of the resistance that we have in the face of adversity. It is a commemoration of hope, the fact that no matter how bad things get, there will always be that period of joy awaiting you. Onam is a testament to the resilience and spirit of Keralites across the globe. And, we shall overcome this adversity too!
Stay Safe and enjoy this festive season with your loved ones staying indoors! Paperkin wishes you all a Very Happy Onam!
P.S: Don’t forget to do good deeds this Onam. Follow us on Medium(PaperKin), Instagram(@paperkin_blog), Twitter(@kin_paper) and LinkedIn(PaperKin) too! Also, clap and share this article to the lots and lots of malayalis you know!
