Kochi: Despite light rain in some parts of Kerala, Onam was celebrated across the state yesterday with a lavish, 26-dish traditional vegetarian lunch, flowers and a degree of nostalgia.
On the occasion of Thiru Onam yesterday, the most important day in the 10-day long Onam calendar, people were in a festive mood, while a few recalled age-old customs associated with
the event.
“We got our lunch from a caterer and over the years these caterers have also turned very professional. Each and every item is neatly packed in containers,” said Sumathy Nair, a home-maker in the capital city.
Onam, a harvest fectival, is celebrated by Malayalees of all religions, castes and creeds, cutting across the financial standing of the families. Kunjumon, a rubber tapper from Kottayam, said he has been without a job for the past four months, but managed to save for Onam. “We are a family of rubber tappers. We have had no work for the past nearly four months. I did odd jobs and also saved for celebrating Onam. It was tough but we have managed,” said Kunjumon. In central districts of Kerala, every festival is dependent on the price of natural rubber and since 2011, the price of rubber has been going down from Rs210 per kg in 2010 to just Rs126 per kg.
A retired school teacher recalled how they used to dance around a swing during Onam
in the past. IANS
