Onam 2023: Celebrations and Reflections
A Time for Festivity and Reflection
The festive season of Onam is a time for celebration in Kerala, India. It is a festival that welcomes joy, prosperity, and boundless affection. This year, several actors, including Ashish Vidyarthi, Malavika Mohanan, and Dulquer Salmaan, took to Instagram to share glimpses of their Onam celebrations with their fans and followers.
Ashish Vidyarthi and Rupali Barua’s Festive Journey
Ashish Vidyarthi, a renowned actor known for his powerful performances, celebrated his first Onam with his new wife, Rupali Barua. The couple visited Ashish’s hometown in Kerala and participated in the festivities with much pomp and galore. The actor took to Instagram to share a video of himself and his wife dressed in their festive attire. In the caption, he beautifully expressed the significance of Onam and its traditions.
The video and heartfelt caption showcased the couple’s enthusiasm and their desire to embrace the cultural heritage of Kerala. In his message, Ashish Vidyarthi highlighted the importance of King Mahabali, whose legacy serves as a guiding light towards righteousness and benevolence. The couple, along with the entire team of Avid Miner Family, extended warm wishes to their followers on this auspicious occasion.
Malavika Mohanan’s Onam Album
Malavika Mohanan, known for her remarkable performances in movies like “Beyond The Clouds,” also celebrated Onam in her own special way. She shared a captivating album on Instagram, featuring different moments captured during the festivities. In the caption, she wished everyone a happy and love-filled Onam. She expressed gratitude towards her makeup artists, hairstylists, and team for creating a memorable evening of dress-up and pookalam (flower arrangement).
Malavika’s album beautifully portrayed her personality, with the first and last pictures symbolizing the yin and yang of her character. By sharing her Onam celebrations, she connected with her fans and added her unique touch to the festival.
Dulquer Salmaan’s Exciting Projects and Onam Wishes
Dulquer Salmaan, a popular actor in the Malayalam film industry, also took the opportunity to share his Onam wishes with his followers. In his Instagram post, he expressed his anticipation for the upcoming year and the exciting projects he has lined up. He wished everyone a joyous Onam filled with love, peace, health, and prosperity.
Dulquer’s message reflected his optimistic outlook and his commitment to delivering engaging and entertaining content to his fans. With his charming charisma, he spread positivity and enthusiasm during the festive season.
Age Doesn’t Matter: Ashish Vidyarthi’s Message
Amidst the celebration, Ashish Vidyarthi also addressed the discussions surrounding his marriage at the age of 57. In a video-post on Instagram, he explained his bond with Rupali Barua and how their connection led to their decision to get married. He emphasized that age should not be a barrier to finding happiness and that everyone has the right to live their lives as they choose.
Ashish Vidyarthi’s message brought forth an important philosophical question about societal norms and expectations. It challenges the notion that happiness and fulfillment are limited by age or any other external factors. His openness and acceptance of his choices exemplify the belief that individuals should be free to follow their hearts and find joy at any stage of life.
Editorial: The Significance of Onam
Preserving Traditions Amidst Modernity
Onam, as a festival, holds immense cultural and historical significance for the people of Kerala. It is an occasion that brings communities together, emphasizing unity, joy, and the spirit of sharing. The festival is celebrated with grand feasts, cultural performances, and vibrant floral decorations called pookalams.
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, it is crucial to preserve and celebrate such traditions. Festivals like Onam remind us of our roots, reinforce cultural ties, and provide an opportunity to pause and appreciate our rich heritage.
The Story of King Mahabali
The legend of Onam revolves around the beloved King Mahabali, known for his benevolence and prosperity. He ruled over Kerala during a golden age, where everyone lived harmoniously, without any distinctions or inequalities. Onam is a time to remember his virtuous rule and the values he embodied.
The festival symbolizes the wish for a world painted with shades of joy, prosperity, and boundless affection, much like the era of King Mahabali. It serves as a reminder to strive for righteousness and benevolence in our own lives, embracing the spirit of unity and equality.
A Beacon of Light and Hope
Onam acts as a beacon of light, guiding us towards righteousness and benevolence in a world often overshadowed by darkness and division. It encourages individuals to reflect upon their actions and strive to make positive contributions to society.
In the midst of challenges and uncertainties, festivals like Onam remind us of the power of unity, compassion, and love. They offer a sense of hope and rejuvenation, reminding us that despite differences in age, background, or circumstances, we can all partake in the celebration of life and embrace happiness.
Advice: Embracing Onam Traditions
Onam is a beautiful occasion for individuals of all backgrounds to come together and experience the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Here are a few ways one can embrace the traditions of Onam:
1. Participate in Pookalam Making
Pookalam, the exquisite floral arrangement, is an integral part of Onam celebrations. Join in the festivities by creating your own pookalam, using flowers and vibrant colors to showcase your creativity and love for this art form.
2. Enjoy a Sadhya Feast
Sadhya, the traditional Onam feast, is a delectable array of dishes served on banana leaves. Experience the culinary delights of Kerala by indulging in a Sadhya meal, filled with flavors and aromas that will leave you wanting more.
3. Wear Traditional Attire
Don traditional attire like Kasavu sarees for women or Mundu and Veshti for men to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Onam. The vibrant white and gold combination symbolizes purity and prosperity.
4. Engage in Cultural Performances
Onam is a time for music, dance, and merriment. Attend or participate in cultural performances such as Pulikali (tiger dance), Thiruvathira Kali (traditional dance), or Vallamkali (snake boat race) to experience the vibrancy of Kerala’s art forms.
5. Spread Joy and Kindness
Lastly, embrace the essence of Onam by spreading joy and kindness to others. Engage in charitable acts, reach out to those in need, and promote unity and inclusivity. Let the spirit of Onam inspire you to lead a life filled with empathy, compassion, and love.
In Conclusion
Onam, with its rich traditions and festive spirit, serves as a reminder of our collective cultural heritage. It encourages individuals to reflect upon the values of unity, equality, and compassion. As we celebrate the festival, let us embrace the traditions, spread joy, and strive to make a positive impact, just as King Mahabali did in the golden age of Kerala. Onam Shamsakal to all, may this festival bring happiness and prosperity to you and your loved ones.
<< photo by Anderson Martins >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
