BY SONAM MIRPURI
TUSTIN, CA – The mood of the festival of Onam was evoked right at the door. As attendees walked through the doors of the Chinmaya Mission here, they were met with the sight of a beautiful flower pattern on the floor, or what is known in Malayalam as athapooklam. The harvest festival of Kerala, Onam,
TUSTIN, CA – The mood of the festival of Onam was evoked right at the door. As attendees walked through the doors of the Chinmaya Mission here, they were met with the sight of a beautiful flower pattern on the floor, or what is known in Malayalam as athapooklam. The harvest festival of Kerala, Onam,
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is a hoary tradition in celebration of a king and his annual visit from the netherworld to the region that was also once his kingdom. King Mahabali, was well-respected and loved by his people and hence the warm celebrations on his appearance.
Commemorating Onam in a traditional manner on Sept.17, members of the Organization of Hindu Malayalees (OHM) came together to create a vegetarian feast or Sadya, cooked by volunteers and served on banana leaves. The fantastic and delicious spread of dishes in the Sadya consisted of grains and vegetables that were harvested in the season in India.
Members dressed in traditional clothing, predominated by the color white, after partaking in the meal, the celebrations continued with music and dance.
This segment was opened with the lamp lighting ceremony by Swami Ishwarananda, head acharya of Chinamaya Mission Los Angeles and OHM President Rema Nair.
OHM, in addition to Onam, was also marking its 25th anniversary as an organization. Videos about the history of OHM and messages from celebrities were played and appreciated by all. The skit with Mahabali demonstrated how life has changed through the generations was enjoyed by the audience. Several other items of music and dance were presented to the appreciation of those present.
Commemorating Onam in a traditional manner on Sept.17, members of the Organization of Hindu Malayalees (OHM) came together to create a vegetarian feast or Sadya, cooked by volunteers and served on banana leaves. The fantastic and delicious spread of dishes in the Sadya consisted of grains and vegetables that were harvested in the season in India.
Members dressed in traditional clothing, predominated by the color white, after partaking in the meal, the celebrations continued with music and dance.
This segment was opened with the lamp lighting ceremony by Swami Ishwarananda, head acharya of Chinamaya Mission Los Angeles and OHM President Rema Nair.
OHM, in addition to Onam, was also marking its 25th anniversary as an organization. Videos about the history of OHM and messages from celebrities were played and appreciated by all. The skit with Mahabali demonstrated how life has changed through the generations was enjoyed by the audience. Several other items of music and dance were presented to the appreciation of those present.
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