Symbolic of the slogans ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘Universal Brotherhood’ the day’s celebration ended with a ‘mixed’ cultural show. The chief guest and the guest of honour are also seen in the picture. (Morung Photo)
DIMAPUR, September 18 (MExN): Malayalis of Dimapur on Sunday congregated at the Town Hall to celebrate Onam – the harvest festival of the people of ‘God’s own country’, Kerala. The festivity here was organised by the Kerala Samajam, Dimapur (KSD). Director, North East Zone Cultural Centre, Som Kamei graced the celebration as the chief guest, while the Chief Executive Officer of the Dimapur Municipal Council, Imtirenla Jamir was the guest of honour. The formal celebrations began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the chief guest and the guest of honour.
Greeting the community on the occasion, Kamei said that the festival of Onam aptly reflects the slogan ‘Unity in Diversity’ as promoted by the Government of India. Alongwith the merry making and the delicious cuisines associated with festival, Onam he said is a rich mix of the culture of Kerala. He also lauded the Kerala Samajan for taking great pains to organize the festival far away from their home in a cosmopolitan place like Dimapur. The Malayalis have contributed a lot, not only to Nagaland or for that matter India but globally and called upon the people of Dimapur to celebrate the festival just as well. Kamei further pledged, on behalf of the NEZCC, to sponsor some of the cultural presentations in the coming year.
Guest of honour, Jamir in her address said that since Onam is associated not only with merry making but also universal brotherhood, she thus urged everyone present to make a pledge to love one another. And in the process make Dimapur a better place.
The programme consisted of various cultural presentations and a bit of modern ‘cinematic dance’ as well. Awards were also given away to outstanding students from the community, who cleared this year’s HSLC and HSSLC examinations conducted by the NBSE. The chief guest and the guest of honour shared the honour to hand away the commendations and medals to the achievers.
Onam is one of the most significant harvest festivals of Kerala. It is celebrated in the Malayali month of Chingam (ending of August and beginning of September), celebrating the reward of nature after a year of hard work. All the activities during this season are centred on worship, music, dance, sports, boat races and good food. According to popular legend, the festival is celebrated in honour of ‘King Mahabali’. The legend has it that King Mahabali ruled Kerala a long time ago and looked after the welfare of the people. Thus Onam shows the blissful rule of the king and the freedom which the people enjoyed under his rule. It is believed that the king’s spirit visits Kerala during ‘Onam’.
