Onam celebrations, a magic show and sports advice

A container filled to the brim with grains at the Onam celebrations of the St Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church, Palavanthangal, on Sunday seemed to symbolise the emotions prevalent at the event – overflowing joy, excitement and kinship.

The celebratory mood here belied the fact that this was a belated celebration of one of Kerala’s primary festivals.

Women were dressed in white-coloured saris with gold borders and adorned their hair with jasmine flowers, while the men wore the traditional mundus.

Former captain of the Indian national basketball team, Jayashankar Menon, was the chief guest on the occasion. K C Abraham, vicepresident of the church parish, explained the mythological significance behind the festival – the Vamana Avatar, in which Lord Vishnu brought to earth the haughty king, Mahabali.

“Onam is truly the festival of the Malayalis,” he said. Menon, who had captained the Indian basketball team to victory in four Asian tourney victories, exuded happiness at having been invited to the event. He spoke about his family’s association with such events.

“Onam is a festival that is close to every Malayali’s heart; it crosses all divides of caste and creed.”

He told the gathering to encourage children to take up sports as a profession, pointing out the increased all-round support sportspersons have been receiving of late.

“All children must take up sporting activities along with academics and all parents must encourage their children to take up sports,” he asserted. Parish member Philip Mathew spoke of the church’s activities. He underlined the importance of the festival by stating that all members of the family come together to celebrate it.

Cultural programmes, including a Thiruvathiru dance recital by girls and a Vanchipattu by senior members followed. A magic show was also organised.