Wherever in the world, Onam is always special for a Malayalee.It brings along with it a string of nostalgic memory about God's own country.
Flowers, Pookkalam, Thrikkarappan, Maveli, PazhamNurrukku-Pappadam-Varuthupperi, Onappada, Onam competitions in schools and colleges, People in traditional costumes, Thiruvathira kali, Onasadya, Onachantha, Onam shopping, Onam Discounts and Offers,Special TV Programmes , New movies(known as Onam Release), Vallamkali, Vadamvali, Athachamayam, Pulikkali and the list goes on.Can see a festive mood everywhere.Every one in high spirits.Yes days become something special.
To add to these,recently in last 3 - 4 years things are changing a bit.
Some more addition to Onamvisuals. Teek-Teek sound all around from cellphones receiving SMS wishing Onam, Wishes through e-mails,orkut,facebook and chat statuses eh! Thanks to IT revolution Long queue infront of beverages corp. outlets which you dont see even infront of Onachantha.Posters and Ads of caterers who serve onasadya with 60 items including 3 different payasams,making everything instant,easy and readymade.People glued to their TV sets in which our own malayalam channels competing to telecast 15 to 20 blockbuster movies,thara sallapams,mimicry and comedy shows.
This year I had my first onam outside India.Just heard of Onam@US,experienced this year.2 days of fun.A day for preperation and finally the celebration next day.Pooparikkal was fun stealing flowers from freeway,complex and other gardens at 2 AM.Nice pookkalam,crowd of 60 people,Good Sadya,Fun games,Tug of war.Finally managed to put up a decent show !!
Tug of war : Married v/s, Bachelors which we lost pathetically.Another reason to think of getting married soon ;D
All these makes Onam more than a harvest festival or King mahabali's yearly visit !
As the SMS says "Nilavilakkum Niraparayum.. Pinne orupidi thumba poovum.. Manasil orupaadu snehavumayi hrudayam niranja Onashamsakal !!"
