Pookalam, Sadhya Mark Onam Celebrations in Hyd
The festival recalls the legend of King Mahabali and an egalitarian era free of deceit, corruption, discrimination and inequality, where all human beings were considered equal
Hyderabad: The Malayali community in Hyderabad celebrated the main day of Onam on Wednesday, with families marking the festival at home with traditional attire, floral arrangements and the Onam Sadhya. Several community associations kept the day for family celebrations and planned larger events for the weekends. Spells of rain added to the festive atmosphere as women dressed in traditional white saris and men wore white mundus. Families prepared floral arrangements called Pookalam and traditional dishes as part of the Onam Sadhya, with some inviting friends to join the celebrations.
The festival recalls the legend of King Mahabali and an egalitarian era free of deceit, corruption, discrimination and inequality, where all human beings were considered equal.
Surendran Kannatt of the Nair Seva Society said, “Onam is a timeless reminder of the kind of world we should strive to build one rooted in unity, compassion and equality rather than division. Just as King Mahabali gave up everything for truth and his people, the true spirit of the festival lies in setting aside our prejudices, supporting the vulnerable and coming together across distances to share food, new clothes and goodwill.”
Dr Saji D'Souza said, “For a Malayali, Onam is more than a festival; it is an enduring emotion rooted in memory, belonging and a sense of homecoming to one’s cultural roots, wherever life may have taken them.”
Dr Saji D'Souza and Dr Ansy D'Souza returned to Hyderabad to celebrate their roots with their family. Their celebrations included an Athapookkalam, traditional Onam Sadhya and time with family, bringing elements of Kerala's Onam traditions to their Hyderabad home.
Artist Parvathy Thiruvothu said, “This time, I’m fortunate to spend the entire day with my family my mom, dad and our dog, Dobby. We plan to celebrate with a traditional Onam Sadhya, decorate the house with flowers, make the pookalam in the morning and enjoy a relaxed afternoon together. It makes the day especially meaningful, and I’m grateful to be able to celebrate Onam with my family.”