Onam, the national festival of Kerala, the Gods’ own country, has a special significance for Malayali people. The carnival is widely reckoned to strengthen the bond between the families residing across the globe. Accordingly, this carnival has been declared as the national festival of Kerala in 1961.
Mangalore is also not new to this celebration as Keralites join together to celebrate this carnival irrespective of caste, creed and religion. A large number of Keralites reside in Mangalore for education, business as well as medical assistance. Hence, one can find the signs of Onam celebrations in this city too.
The students of Mangalore Institute of Fashion Technology (MIFT) joined together on Tuesday August 21, in their college located near Pumpwell to celebrate this carnival in a traditional way.
Mallu College Girls Making Pookalam with flowers.
Kerala College girls in Set Saree.
Kerala College Girls Group Photo.
‘Tiru Onam’, the centre day of Onam will be celebrated on August 27. ‘Pukalam,’ the carpets of flowers will be designed on the ground to welcome the spirit of king Mahabali. It is believed that, king Mahabali, who has ruled Kerala in the ancient times, visits again here during this time. It is also said that, Kerala witnessed its golden era at the time of Mahabalis’ reign. Moreover it was believed that during his reign, the kingdom witnessed peace and harmony among the subjects.
Mahabali was known for his generosity and was also the worshipper of Lord Vishnu. One fine day, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of him as a dwarf Brahmin and asked for a piece of land to cover his legs. Mahabali agreed for that. The dwarf Brahmin covered entire earth through his first foot and covered whole of the skies with his second foot. Later he asked space to keep his third foot. Mahabali, with folded hands, lowered before Vamana and asked him to place his last step on his head, to keep up his promise. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head of the king, which pushed him underground. When Mahabali realized that the Brahmin was none other than Lord Vishnu, he asked his permission to visit his kingdom once a year. Accordingly, Onam is celebrated with fervour to mark the visit of Mahabali into Gods’ own country.
Onam normally comes in the beginning of the month ‘Chingam,’ the first month of Malayalee calendar. It always corresponds with the month of August and September. Atham, the first day of the Onam and Tiruvonam are most important of all.
The people of Kerala are known for their civic sense and love towards their language and culture. Onam also reflects their rich culture and brings them together on this auspicious occasion. The Malayali students of Mangalore Institue of Fashion Technology are successful in bringing out their hidden talents and represented their native culture.
