Our Bureau
New York
The Indian consulate in New York celebrated Onam, the ancient festival of Kerala dedicated to rice harvest. The consulate decked up in exquisite flower rangoli, traditional lamps, and banana leaves. The traditional music from Kerala filled the ambience with authentic flavors as does the food. A mesmerising performance of Mohiniyattam added to the celebrations making the spirit of Kerala come alive at the consulate.
Randhir Jaiswal, the Consulate General of India in New York, wished a happy Onam to all. He said, “I wish a happy Onam to all our dear friends. We are celebrating this beautiful festival at the Consulate. We have our Malyali community joining us today.”
Onam signifies togetherness, good food and bonding with family. Legend has it that Mahabali, the mythical beloved king of Kerala, visits his subjects on the day of Thiruvonam after ascending from the netherworld. Mahabali, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, was the son of Virochan and the grandson of Prahalad. He was a righteous and charitable man and treated all his subjects equally.
Visitors to Kerala during the festive season have the opportunity to experience the hospitality and culture of the state on a first-hand basis. With the boat races, Onasadhya, Athachamayam, Pulikali, Kummattikali, Thumbi Thullal and Onam Sadya, the festival also showcases artistic and cultural diversity.
