Re-visits

© Mind Curry 2004 - 2007

Above: The must-have Onam "poo-kalem"

We associate a lot of our happy things with the past: When we are happy we keep referring to phrases like " when I was younger", "it used to be", "Long time back", "I remember", "those days". I think its important for us to keep reliving the good times and rejuvenate ourselves.

Here is one such thing:

Onam

A festival celebrated by Keralites which signifies prosperity and peace; without religious or caste barriers. The legend(long one cut short) is that King Mahabali, who was an exceptional ruler who brought peace and prosperity to the state, had an encounter with Vamana (who was infact Lord Vishnu in disguise) and was sent underground (literally). But getting to know the real side of Mahabali and what a sweet chap he was, the Lord granted him a wish. And being the people's man and with his love for Kerala, he asked that he be allowed to visit Kerala once a year to see his beloved land and people. So the reutrn of the great King each year is celebrated as Onam, lasting some ten days, by the King's people.

I remember, when I was younger, Onam was such a delight. It used to be the time of union of all family members from all over the world and all cousins. Those days were always something to look forward to. "Onam holidays". And a finale with the "onam sadhya". It has been many years since I have had such an Onam.

Anyway, this year, I decided to have a special Onam and refresh all the memories, than keep referring to the past. So we are having an Onam sadhya, with all family and friends, in the "typical" Kerala style banana-leaf plate and veggie cuisine.


But I could not forget my beloved bloggers from all over the world :) So heres to all the wonderful blogpals I have:

Happy Onam!