And, King Mahabali blesses his subjects

LUCKNOW MALAYALIS gathered in large numbers to celebrate Onam, the most important festival of Kerala, at the auditorium of City Montessori School, Gomti Nagar on Sunday.

LUCKNOW MALAYALIS gathered in large numbers to celebrate Onam, the most important festival of Kerala, at the auditorium of City Montessori School, Gomti Nagar on Sunday.

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Malayalis of different faiths — Hindus, Muslims and Christians, and locals gathered in large numbers to ‘welcome’ the benevolent and mighty Demon King Mahabali during his annual visit to the subjects.

The entrance of the auditorium was decorated by putting up thapookalam’ (floral carpet). The colourful carpet holds significance in light of the festival as the decoration by the young women is done to welcome King Mahabali.

Over 3-hour-long colourful cultural celebration began with traditional dances by the young girls. Followed by the symbolic welcome of the king among his subjects. The king in his paraphernalia descends among his subjects amid Chandamelam- drumbeats. The jubilant subjects of the King perform various traditional dances inclduing “Kaikottikali,” and “Kavadiyattam.”

The main feature of the celebration was Onasadya- cuisine of Kerala, where the gathering was treated to delicious payasam and other palate tickling delicacies.
Since this festival falls within a fortnight of the Malayalam New Year, it is characterized by all the fun and frolic associated with New Year. The most important of this ten-day long festival is the tenth day of Thiruonam— falling on September 5. New clothes, grand traditional cuisine, unique dances and music mark the festivities and gaieties of this harvest festival..

President PRS Nair welcomed the guests, while ceneral secretary Jenson James proposed a vote of thanks.