Onam festivities begin for Bengaluru Malayalis

It is Thiruvonam tomorrow, the tenth and most important day of Onam on the festive calendar, as far as Malayalis are concerned. For the non-resident Malayali population across the world, this is either a time to head home and soak in the festivities, or have your own version of it wherever you are.
In Bengaluru, typically, Thiruvonam is about the traditional sadya — an elaborate vegetarian lunch spread, with the rest of the festivities scheduled for later, or more convenient days.While most try and have a home-made sadya, those for whom that isn’t convenient, three of the most prominent Malayali associations in town and star hotels are making arrangements.
Home-based entrepreneurs at some apartment complexes are also cashing in on the festive season by offering pre-ordered elaborate sadyas and payasams.
The East Cultural Association (ECA), for instance, will serve a massive sadya for 2,000 people on Monday, which will be followed by their annual Onotsavam on September 9 and 10. “With guests like Rajya Sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurien, State Housing minister M Krishnappa, and south actress Bhamaa, the two-day extravaganza includes sadya by the Thrissur-based Ambiswami group, a host of in-hosue and celebrity cultural programmes, including Double Thayambaka by Cheruthazham Chandran, Chirakkal Nidheesh and Team, Chakyarkoothu by Kalamandalam Ramith Ramesh and a musical finale by singers Madhu Balakrishnan, Sayonara, and Najim Arshad,” says Sony Kurian, secretary ECA.
The following weekend, on September 16 and 17, members of Kalavedi will herald Onam with a unique set of cultural activities. “Actress Sruthi Hariharan will join other dignitaries at the inaugural on September 16, which will be followed by a grand orchestra led by playback singer Vidhu Prathap and Akhila Anand. The highlight of the programme will be a performance by National Award Winner Surabhi Lakshmi. The second day will have pookkalam and painting competitions, Thayambaka by Udayan Namboodiri and team, sadya, cultural programmes by members and dance performances by Punya Arts,” says Madhusoodanan from Kalavedi.
The last in this series is at the Kairali Kala Samithi on September 23 and 24. “We are kicking it off with a literary meet featuring stalwarts like Pavithran Theekkuni, Chandrashekara Kambara, and PK Gopi, followed by cultural programmes by members. Sunday morning will begin with various competitions, fancy dress, Thiruvathira, Margam Kali, and a sadya for about 2,500 people. This will be followed by Thayambaka by Mattannur Shankarankutty and troupe. The programme will wind up with a musical evening by singer Afsal and team,” says Sudhish VK.
And, if you are not part of any of these associations, fret not. Most apartment complexes with a sizeable Malayali population have their own Onam celebrations and the festivities will continue for the next couple of months.