Onam celebrations showcase culture, traditions of Kerala

Malayalee Association of Southern Connecticut (MASCONN) which was formed less than a year ago had its maiden Onam celebrations last month in Bridgeport, CT. Attended by nearly four hundred people from southern Connecticut, the cultural extravaganza was in many ways “reliving the culture and traditions” and “cherishing the past with a view to pass it on to the future generation.”

Mathew and Pramela, who had emceed the event shared the story of Onam with the young children who had gathered to celebrate the festival with their parents and friends: “Onam awaits one very special visitor, Kerala’s most loved legendary King Maveli. He is the King who once gave the people a golden era in Kerala. The King is so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily. It is in honor of King Mahabali, affectionately called Onathappan, that Onam is celebrated.”

Earlier, Onam celebrations began with the lighting of the traditional Nailavilakku, by honored guests of MASCONN and the executive members, including President - C.V Johnson, Vice President - Ajit Puthiyavettle, Secretary - Wilson Pottackal, and Treasurer - Giby Gregory. “MASCONN an offshoot of the natural growth of the Indian-American especially Malayalee Community in the southern Connecticut region,” said CV Johnson, in his welcome address. “In a very short period, we have grown by leaps and bounds and we strive to meet the growing needs of our community.

Legendary King Mahabali was welcomed to the stage with pancha vadyam and a warm traditional welcome by Radha, Sangeetha, Deepa, Priya, Priyanka, Jisha, Prameela, Susha, who later on performed Thiruvathira. The inaugural songs were presented by Harsha ands Sony. Several dances, songs and music by children and adults, and fashion parade by little children made the celebrations very memorable to all.