Jamshedpur, Aug 31: �The Malayali community celebrated Onam, the harvest festival on Monday under the shadow of pandemic COVID-19. Only a few members of the community assembled on the premises of Kerala Samajam Model School in Golmuri this morning.
The grand celebration that includes the traditional lavish feast was cancelled at the campus of Kerala Samajam Model School. ” In view of the coronavirus we decided not to organise the celebration. The grand feast which witnesses a huge turnout was also cancelled, ” said an official of Kerala Samajam.
The members took part in making a floral rangoli (Pookalam) following social distancing norms. The Samajam members also did not take part in cultural programmes and quiz, the annual features every year..
However, the members of the community in steel city also known as �Little Kerala� celebrated Onam with traditional gaiety and much fanfare at their homes.The houses were decorated with flower decoration to welcome Raja Mahabali who once ruled Kerala. According to the tradition, floral decorations are must as it is believed that Raja Mahabali once in a year comes on Earth to see his ‘praja’.
Those who were unable to rush to their native hamlets and ancestral homes to celebrate Onam used the occasion an opportunity to celebrate the festival. The Kerala Samajam also home delivered the feast to the members of the apex body of the community.
N Suresh, a member of the community said that Onam signifies the home-coming of King Mahabali. Onam is also celebrated as the day of the advent of Vamana and Bali. It marks the beginning of a new life. The festival is all about celebrating the grand Onasadya (Onam feast), shopping, social reunions and welcoming King Mahabali by spreading good blessings.
About 21 varieties of food known as Ona Sadhya were made to mark the harvest season. This is one day when the Malyalees eat on banana leaves with preparations like vegetable curries, kaalan, olan and avial.
The most important dish is the payasam. This is the day when people wear new dresses and visit their family and relatives.
