Dilip Kurien –
We the people from Kerala in South India are termed Malayalees and proudly describe our land as ‘God’s Own Country.’
Kerala is a land of great natural beauty that has cherished and preserved its rich cultural heritage, despite economic progress and social sophistication.
It is home to varied forms of festivals, art, music and dances that enchant and captivate everyone, irrespective of any social barriers.
Hamilton Malayalee Association, the oldest in Waikato, brings together people of Malayalee origin to share their common interests, values and experiences and is involved in many activities for the betterment of the our community.
It is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organisation working towards the betterment of the social lifestyle of the Malayalees primarily in the Waikato area.
It provides a forum for its members to meet and exchange views and to foster friendship, goodwill, understanding and also provides opportunities for cultural and entertainment activities.
This Association will celebrate Onam on September 5.
Festive spirit
The festive spirit becomes extra-special for the local Malayalee community.
The celebrations will begin at 9 am with ‘Pookalam’ (Flower Carpet).
The festival highlights the underlying rich cultural traditions of Kerala with a display of various dance forms (folk as well as classical), Tug of War, Lemon and Spoon Race for women, Muttayi Perukkal for children and various other games that are popular in Kerala. The day will also provide a platform for young children to showcase their talent in classical and contemporary dances.
A sumptuous ‘Onam Sadhya,’ the traditional Onam lunch, will be served on a banana leaf in true Kerala spirit.
Mahabali, the Legend
Onam commemorates the Golden rule and period of the Asura (Demon) King Mahabali. During his regime, everyone was happy, no one locked their houses and there was no discrimination against anyone. People looked upon their King as saviour. He was their protector and benefactor.
His honesty and kindness become famous. However, King Mahabali had one major weakness – ego.
The legend has it that Aditi (mother of Gods in heaven) was worried about the King’s growing influence over the people and the Gods, fearful of being overshadowed, asked Lord Vishnu to set right the King’s ego.
Lord Vishnu took the Avatar of a dwarfed Poor Brahmin (Vaman) and went to King Mahabali, who was performing a Yajna. He asked for three feet of earth in his Kingdom.
Mahabali laughed at the dwarf and agreed.
Suddenly Vaman started growing in size. His one foot covered the earth, other foot the sky and he asked the King where to put the third foot.
Mahabali, known to honour his word, offered his head.
Vaman put his foot on the King’s head and Mahabali went under the earth.
The king realised that the dwarf was God.
He asked Vishnu for a boon; that he visits his land and his people once in a year.
The day of his return is marked as Onam.
The festival allows Malayalees to exchange ideas and bond with people from other communities. King Mahabali’s rule was marked by highest virtues and hence is important in today’s turbulent times of social, communal and political unrest.
Through Onam celebrations, we hope that everyone, irrespective of their caste, creed and religion, will unite and stay united.”
Dilip Kurien is Secretary, Hamilton Malayalee Association.
