Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival, is celebrated with full fervour this year in Chennai. The last two years’ celebrations have been limited due to the Covid induced lockdown.
Pookolam, Onam Sadhya are back at many places.
Speaking to News Today, Manoj, a native of Thrissur, who is settled in Chennai, says, ‘The fervour is back. We have planned gala celebrations in our locality. Though the flower prices have shot up, it has not dampened our spirits to come up with grand pookolams.’
We have invited guests and relatives for Onam Sadhya (a grand meal spread). It is big and beautiful celebration this year around.’
Echoing the same, an office-bearer of Kerala Samaj in Chennai said, ‘We have organised several cultural events to celebrate the occasion. Special events are being lined up as part of the celebrations’.
Krishnan Kutty, a resident of Anna Nagar says, ‘There will be sadhya followed by pooja at our family temple where all our friends and relatives will get together. Time to reminisce about our childhood and create more memories. That’s what Onam is all about — spreading love and happiness. We want to make the day memorable.’
Several hotels have lined up special Onam Sadhya and special discounts are being thrown.
Devotees thronged since the morning to Nungambakkam Sri Ayyappan temple, Uthra Guruvayoorappan temple in Nanganallur and Adyar Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple to offer special prayers on Thiruonam day. The places of worship were decked up with flowers and a grand pookolam welcomed devotees. Chenda melam was organised at several places too.
‘After two years of break due to Covid, the celebrations would reach its peak this year. We will be visiting our relatives and spend the day with religious fervour’, says Vidya Chandrababu, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, presently residing in Porur.
Mote is merrier and we have started celebrations almost a week in advance, she adds.
Schools and colleges across the city held special programmes on Wednesday to welcome Onam. Students were dressed in cultural outfits and performed special.events on stage.