ONAM 2024

August heralded the onset of the festive season and before one knew the organizing team for Onam had planned out the logistics for the event.       

Several days before the celebrations, dance and song practices were underway.  To procure flowers for the ‘pokalams’ the ladies made the customary trip at dawn to the wholesale flower market. Music rehearsals were held with the team in charge of sound, negotiations with the vendor for the 26 course ‘sadya’, coordinating with PMD to provide logistics support were some of the preparations for the event. 

On the eve of the celebrations, young and old flocked to the club house to help with exotic petal designs on ‘thalis’ or on the floor respectively. 

On the day, festivities began with a young resident  who had dressed up like Mahabali to give blessings, ladies came dressed in elegant white saris with gold borders and several men wore traditional white dhotis. 

The residents were then entertained with songs and graceful dances. 

While one thought it could not get any better, the guys made an entry and surprised everyone with their energetic well choreographed dance. 

The clubhouse echoed with rhythmic beats as the drummers performed the entertainment finale. 

Lunch was served in two time slots. The delicious 26- item Onam ‘onasadya’ was a treat that everyone looks forward to. It did not disappoint. 

In conclusion, the efforts of the organizing committee & volunteers, and the enthusiastic participation of residents made this year's Onam not just a celebration but a heartfelt experience of unity and tradition. 

Roma Singh