Sun Sep 15 00:58:06 UTC 2024: ## Onam Celebrations in Goa: A Time for Feasting and Bonding, Despite Tragedy
**Goa** – The vibrant festival of Onam, a harvest celebration deeply rooted in Kerala’s culture, is in full swing across Goa, with the state’s large Malayali community marking the ten-day event with traditional fervor.
Though the recent tragedy in Wayanad has cast a somber mood, the spirit of Onam remains strong. Many cultural associations are celebrating in a subdued manner, prioritizing community solidarity and remembering those affected by the disaster.
Onam commemorates the return of the mythical King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler known for his just reign. The festival is characterized by elaborate feasts, vibrant dance performances, and vibrant flower arrangements called ‘Pookalams’.
“This year, we’re celebrating Onam in a subdued way, acknowledging the tragedy in Wayanad,” said Bhavani Venugopal, secretary of the Kerala Cultural Association, Vasco. “We’ll have a small Pookalam and a traditional Onam Sadya, with a focus on honoring our cultural heritage and showing solidarity with the suffering people of Kerala.”
Despite the somber tone, the spirit of Onam remains palpable in Goa. Malayali families are coming together to enjoy the traditional vegetarian feast, the ‘Onam Sadya’, a culinary masterpiece served on banana leaves, featuring an array of vegetable dishes, pickles, papads, and the sweet ‘payasam’.
“It’s a time for families to come together and share a meal, to celebrate the harvest and remember our roots,” says Gifty Abraham, an artist and long-time resident of Goa. “Even though my family is out of state, I’ll be celebrating Onam in my own way, with a little bit of Pookalam and payasam.”
For Beena Philips, a resident of Bambolim, Onam is a deeply personal celebration, a reminder of her Kerala heritage. “The festival is celebrated by everyone, irrespective of religion or caste,” she says. “The main thing is coming together, sharing a delicious meal, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.”
Onam is not just a feast; it’s a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage. The festival features traditional dances like Kaikottikali, Kummattikali, and Pulikkali, where men dressed as tigers dance to the rhythm of drums. The festivities also include the famous Nehru Trophy boat race, ‘Vallom Kali’, and the joyous tradition of swinging on decorated swings.
“I’m looking forward to the Onam Sadya, especially the 28-30 dish spread,” says Nebu Xavier, a resident of Goa for 10 years. “It’s a time for dancing, great fun, and enjoying the company of family and friends.”
While the tragedy in Wayanad has dampened the celebrations, the spirit of Onam remains strong. As the Malayali community in Goa comes together to celebrate their heritage, the festival serves as a reminder of their resilience and the importance of community and cultural unity.
First Piper 