Onam Celebrated with Traditional Fervour in Madurai Households
Photo Credit: G. MOORTHY via The Hindu
Madurai, Sep 5 (TTP): Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in households across Madurai on Friday. The celebrations reflected the cultural richness of the festival, bringing together families, friends, and neighbours in a spirit of togetherness.
Preparations Begin Early
For many families, the celebrations began on Thursday evening, with relatives and friends gathering to plan the pookolam (floral rangoli) and the Onam sadya, the traditional festive feast.
C. Sujatha, who has settled down in Madurai, shared her experience:
“Our family members and friends gathered on Thursday evening itself. We began planning the pookolam and the grand Onam sadya for the guests,” she said.
Pookolam and Lamp Lighting
On Friday, households decorated their courtyards with colourful pookolams, created using fresh flowers in intricate patterns. A traditional lamp was placed in the centre, symbolising prosperity and harmony.
The Grand Onam Sadya
The highlight of the celebration was the Onam sadya — a lavish vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, featuring a wide array of Kerala delicacies. Families invited guests and friends home to partake in the festive meal, making it an occasion of community bonding and cultural pride.
Spirit of Togetherness
Residents said the celebrations were not just about food and decoration, but about unity and shared joy. For those living outside Kerala, celebrating Onam in places like Madurai carries added emotional significance, keeping cultural traditions alive across generations.