The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Tradition comes alive at Onam fete

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 03, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Tradition comes alive at Onam fete

Maithri Cultural Organisation organises celebrations

— PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

GRACEFUL: A dancer performing at the Onam celebrations organised by Maithri in the city on Sunday.

HYDERABAD: The dazzle of golden ‘Kasavu’ sarees, the lithe and vigorous ritualistic steps of ancient folk art forms, the ‘Onasadya’ and return of legendary king Mahabali to his subjects, enacted by an artist, encapsulated the Onam celebrations of Malayali community in Hyderabad on Sunday.

The 12th edition of Onam celebrations, organised by Maithri cultural organisation, at Jayalaxmi Gardens, had the stamp of authentic traditions, rituals and food of Kerala for over 3,000 Malayalis, who no doubt might have felt ‘at home’ away from home.

The presence of Padmasree awardee and film director Bharat Balachandra Menon as the chief guest and a dash of glamour in the form of budding actress Padmapriya invigorated the proceedings. Members of the community listened in rapt attention as renowned Malayali singer G. Venugopal, who was specially invited for the occasion, mesmerised one and all with his mellifluous voice.

“Such functions give us an opportunity to interact and catch up with community members. We all look forward to this day to meet and catch up with old pals and welcoming new arrivals to the twin cities. Lots of chatting, cracking jokes, eating authentic Kerala cuisine goes on throughout the day,” says Ashok Nair a member of Maithri Cultural Organisation.

Delight for foodies

The occasion was also a delight for foodies, what with over 30 varieties of Kerala food items, cooked in authentic Kerala style with a good mix of spices being laid out for them.

To add authenticity to the proceedings, noted chef from Kerala Pazhayidom Mohan was flown in to prepare over 27 delicacies as part of the Onasadya, the traditional Onam meal replete with plantain leaves.

At Malkajgiri

Onam was also celebrated with fanfare by Malayalis residing at Malkajgiri municipal area at Laxmi Sai Gardens on Sunday. Chief Postmaster General, Andhra Pradesh Circle, Yesodhara Menon and Malayalam cine director Lal Jose attended the function.

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