SHILLONG, Sept 20: The Onam Festival is celebrated in the beginning of the first month of Malayalam calendar (Kolla Varsham) called Chingam. In South India, this festival is celebrated on September 2. Nevertheless, the Keralites of Shillong decided to celebrate it today.
Organized by Kalakairaly, an organization upholding the welfare of Malayalam people living in Meghalaya, Onam celebration saw more than a thousand men, women and children participating in it. Along with Education Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh as the guest of honour, Meghalaya Governor RS Mooshahary graced the occasion as the chief guest. He was accompanied by his wife and mother-in-law.
The meritorious students were given awards on the occasion. The day of Onam is celebrated in the honour of King Mahabali. People believe that it was on this particular day in the Malayalam month of Chingam when Lord Vishnu had taken his fifth avatar as Vaamana and appeared in the kingdom of King Mahabali and sent him to the nether world. On that occasion, Mooshahary pleased everyone with his speech in Malayalam. He said, “Onam is a celebration of food, art, culture, the festivity of unity and one creed and one God.” Recalling his by-gone days, Mooshahary said, “I enjoy Malayalam movies, particularly the film Chemmie, a few songs of which I know very well.”
The significance of Onam is the happiness of people at the end of a bountiful harvest. Most of the Malayalam people go to their native places during Onam. Some of them do not get the opportunity to celebrate the festival with grandeur. However, to bring the Malayalam people closer in Shillong, Kalakairaly organized this special programme today. President of Kalakairaly said, “People believe that it is on the last day, Tiruonam, the spirit of King Mahabali, visits Kerala. Hence, the day is marked by feast and festivities. Devotees of Maveli celebrate the golden era witnessed in Maveli’s reign during Onam.”
To welcome their revered ruler, people lay flower mats (Pookalam) in the foreyard, prepare a grand meal (Onasadya), dance, play and make merry. All this is done to impress King Mahabali that his people are prosperous and happy. the sentinel
Organized by Kalakairaly, an organization upholding the welfare of Malayalam people living in Meghalaya, Onam celebration saw more than a thousand men, women and children participating in it. Along with Education Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh as the guest of honour, Meghalaya Governor RS Mooshahary graced the occasion as the chief guest. He was accompanied by his wife and mother-in-law.
The meritorious students were given awards on the occasion. The day of Onam is celebrated in the honour of King Mahabali. People believe that it was on this particular day in the Malayalam month of Chingam when Lord Vishnu had taken his fifth avatar as Vaamana and appeared in the kingdom of King Mahabali and sent him to the nether world. On that occasion, Mooshahary pleased everyone with his speech in Malayalam. He said, “Onam is a celebration of food, art, culture, the festivity of unity and one creed and one God.” Recalling his by-gone days, Mooshahary said, “I enjoy Malayalam movies, particularly the film Chemmie, a few songs of which I know very well.”
The significance of Onam is the happiness of people at the end of a bountiful harvest. Most of the Malayalam people go to their native places during Onam. Some of them do not get the opportunity to celebrate the festival with grandeur. However, to bring the Malayalam people closer in Shillong, Kalakairaly organized this special programme today. President of Kalakairaly said, “People believe that it is on the last day, Tiruonam, the spirit of King Mahabali, visits Kerala. Hence, the day is marked by feast and festivities. Devotees of Maveli celebrate the golden era witnessed in Maveli’s reign during Onam.”
To welcome their revered ruler, people lay flower mats (Pookalam) in the foreyard, prepare a grand meal (Onasadya), dance, play and make merry. All this is done to impress King Mahabali that his people are prosperous and happy. the sentinel
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