ONAM Festival was celebrated by the Clare Indian Association Ltd in St Flannan’s College on September 21st.
Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) lit the traditional lamp during Onam which is noted for its unity in diversity.
Prizes were distributed by Rev. Fr. Joy Njarakattuvely for the winners of sports and cultural activities. Chairman of the Clare Indian Association, Jomon Joseph was among those speaking at the event to welcome all in attendance while an annual report was presented by secretary Vishnu. The four program committee coordinators are Santosh, Tibin, Sanal, and Jithin and the coordinators of traditional dances were Sini Sanjay, Ancy, and Remya.
An approximate 300 families living in Co Clare are from Kerala in South India, most of them are healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, social care workers and health care assistances.
Clare Indian Association Ltd works to support the traditions, cultural values, and activities of the Indians. It consists of a director board panel of six members and a sub-committee of 13 members. King Mahabali visited his people in Ennis and was welcomed by traditional musical instruments.
Onam festivities run for ten days, also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, they are celebrated with much pomp across Kerala, state of India as people mark the return of King Mahabali/Maveli. Each day of Onam (namely Atham, Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and Thiruvonam) holds significance.
According to the Malayalam calendar, Onam falls in the month of Chingam, between August and September. Malayalam is the native language of people from Kerala. People from Kerala are spread throughout the world. Onam also marks the beginning of the Malayalam year called the Kolla Varsham. The harvest festival marks the return of the kind-hearted and generous King Mahabali/Maveli to his beloved state Kerala. According to legends, King Mahabali defeated the Gods and ruled all three worlds. He was a generous and wise leader, but the Gods were insecure about his popularity.
Every year, the people of Kerala celebrate Onam worldwide to mark the beloved King Mahabali’s homecoming. The celebrations continue for ten days, with several rituals assigned to each day. During the festival, people wake up early to take morning baths, deep clean their homes, decorate with flowers and lights, make Pookalam, prepare Onam Sadhya with seasonal vegetables, and paint intricate designs on their front doors with rice flour batter.
Onam Sadhya or Onasadya is a major part of Onam celebrations, featuring over 26 vegetarian dishes prepared with the help of all the family members and eaten on a banana leaf. Mr. Titty the Indian Chef who works in Old Ground Hotel, Ennis prepared Onam dinner for 300 familes.
Additionally, during Onam celebrations, people wear new clothes and gift jewellery and traditional garments to family members and loved ones. While men choose to buy mundu, girls prefer Pattu Pavada, and women wear Kasavu saree. People also enjoy other cultural activities, including Onakalikal (various games played during the festival), Vallamkali (boat race), Pulikali (a tableau with actors dressed as tigers and hunters), and archery during Onam.
