Festive joy

CELEBRATIONS have begun at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) to mark two Indian festivals – Onam and Navratri.

The almost two-month-long Shravanam 2022 which kicked off earlier this month is a ‘mega event’ which will run until October 7. It will feature performances by some of the greatest artists besides showcasing nostalgic traditions and games at the association’s Segaiya premises.

The 10-day-long Onam marks Kerala’s harvest festival symbolising prosperity and spring, while nine-day Navratri celebrates Hindu goddess Durga.

A panel comprising BKS executive committee members will oversee the daily programmes from a temporary office opened at the samajam last week. The committee is headed by its chairman, senior BKS member MP Raghu, alongside Shankar Palloor, as its convener.

“This could be the largest Onam celebration ever held worldwide by any Keralite expat association,” BKS president P V Radhakrishna Pillai told the Gulf Weekly.

The events started with Pilleronam (a celebration prior to Onam meant especially for children) and Kabaddi competition. Pilleronam heralds the big day of Tiruvonam, which is the culmination of the festival, with children enjoying scaled-down festivities and feast.

“Pilleronam is nostalgic, which unfortunately, over the years has lost its significance – I remember how I looked forward to it in my younger days – our attempt was to relive those memories as well as to help our children understand our rich culture,” said Mr Pillai.

The event saw an overwhelming response with participation from both members and non-members.

Two major competitions are lined up for the weekend (Aug 26) – the pookala malsaram (floral carpet display) and the vadamvali malsaram (tug-of-war), both unique to the Onam season.

“Onam is a time of fun and enjoyment, it is spring and nature celebrates with flowers, which is used to make these pookalams or floral displays,” explained Mr Pillai.

“Every home in Kerala would have a pookalam in the frontyard – symbolic of receiving King Mahabali.

“Now, like everything else, these simple celebrations have become elaborate – BKS is waiting to see spectacular floral displays.”

Onam, as per myths, celebrates the homecoming of the legendary and generous demon-King Mahabali. This year the festival kicks off on August 30 and culminates on September 8.

The festivities will officially open at BKS with kodiyettu (flag hoisting) on August 30 and the auspicious 10th day of Tiruvonam will feature Indian national award winning singer Nanjiyamma. The folksinger from Kerala bagged the prestigious award for her debut singing of her own lyrics in Irula language in a Malayalam movie. Alongside will be young playback singers from Kerala, Najeem Arshad and Nithya Maman.

On September 2, Indian magician and celebrity chef Raj Kalesh will lead the ruchimela or festival of tastes at the BKS, showcasing dishes of India - from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

The official opening of Shraavanam 2022 will be held on September 9 by Indian businessman and LuLu Group International chairman M A Yousufali. The day will feature a musical concert by Kerala’s melody queen KS Chitra and her team.

A mega Thiruvathira featuring more than 100 women will be held the next day, while on September 12, the BKS stage will witness Onapudava, a contest for the best traditional Onam attire. On September 14, a contest of the traditional dance Thiruvathirakali will be held.

Stage craft and founder director of Soorya Stage and Film Society Soorya Krishnamoorthy will be honoured for his contributions to the Indian cultural arena on September 15. The day will also stage Mr Krishnamoorthy’s dance and music show Agni 2.

An Onam-themed procession contest is scheduled for the next day, while Charadupinnikali – a traditional Onam art form which will see the participation of more than 100 men and women - will be held on September 17.

One of the highlights is the big feast or Onasadya - the signature vegetarian spread on a banana leaf. After the pandemic-imposed two-year break, Chef Maestro Pazhayidam Mohanan Nampoothiri will once again fly into Bahrain to prepare the feast for more than 5,000 people on September 23. A magic show led by renowned magician Prof Samraj will be staged on September 29.

Curtains will officially fall on Shraavanam 2022 on September 30 at a function in which Kerala Co-operation Department Minister V N Vasavan will be the chief guest. The evening will also feature renowned singer Hariharan and his band.

On October 5 - Vijayadashami, the final day of Navratri, renowned oncologist Dr VP Gangadharan will lead hundreds of children on Vidyarambham, a Hindu tradition of introducing children into the world of learning.

The following day (October 6) musician and playback singer Kottakal Madhu and his team will perform the traditional art form of Kathakali. Veena virtuoso Rajesh Vaidya will perform on October 7.