On Thiruvonam, all of Kerala becomes one

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 26 (IANS) There is something distinctive about the way Kerala wakes up on Thiruvonam morning. Homes smell of freshly prepared sadya, courtyards glow with pookkalams, new clothes are taken out, and families gather around tables that seem to become a little larger on this day.

Across towns and villages, cities and distant countries, Malayalis pause their lives to return, if only for a day, to something they share.

Onam is not merely Kerala’s biggest festival. It is its most secular celebration, a festival in which religion, caste and community recede behind a larger sense of belonging.

That spirit is visible everywhere on Thiruvonam.

Malayalis working in other states and living abroad have travelled through the night to be home with their families.

Cultural organisations and clubs have filled neighbourhoods with traditional games and celebrations, while homes have prepared for the most important meal of the season — the Thiruvonam sadya.

But Onam is also a festival of traditions that have travelled through generations, especially the 26 course Onam sadhya.

At Aranmula, the arrival of the Thiruvonathoni remains one of the most evocative rituals of the season.

Carrying the offerings for Lord Parthasarathy, the ceremonial boat reached the temple to be received by members of the Palliyoda Seva Sangham, representatives of various karas and members of the temple advisory committee.

At Guruvayur, thousands gathered for darshan.

The temple offered special rituals, including the early morning presentation of an Onam garment to Guruvayurappan, while a special prasada oottu was arranged for 10,000 people.

And then there is the rain, Kerala’s familiar monsoon companion, arriving even on its biggest festive morning, six of the 14 districts are on yellow alert.

Showers began in several places before dawn, following days of intermittent rain, with northern Kerala receiving particularly strong spells.

The rain has meant that celebration must also make room for caution.

The Tourism Department has directed restrictions at waterfalls, water bodies and other vulnerable tourist destinations in districts under alert and, where necessary, neighbouring districts.

Hilly areas vulnerable to landslides and landslips will also remain restricted until conditions improve.

Even from the country’s highest offices came greetings for the festival.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Malayalis happiness, togetherness and prosperity, while President Droupadi Murmu extended her Onam greetings.

But perhaps the most powerful Onam message is being lived out quietly in Kerala’s homes today.

It is in the relative returning from abroad, the neighbour sharing a sadya, the community gathering for a traditional game, and the family waiting for someone who travelled all night to make it home.

The rain may have softened the brightness of Thiruvonam but it has not dimmed its spirit.

For one day, Kerala once again reminds itself of what Onam has come to represent: A celebration in which everyone can belong, everyone can participate, and everyone has a place at the table.

–IANS

sg/rad