September 11, 2008

We are lucky to be here for Onam, which is the biggest holiday festival of Kerala. Kerala is the only State in India that celebrates this holiday. "There is a lot more to Onam than being just a festival. Onam reflects the faith of the people of Kerala; A belief in their legendary past, religion and power of worship. It shows the high spirit of the people who go out of the way to celebrate the festival in the prescribed manner and a grand fashion. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam." This website explains it all; http://www.onamfestival.org/pookalam.html. The festival is celebrated for several days, traditonally 10 days but I think it's usually around 6. (not sure)

Yesterday, one of the divisions of Steven's work was having a Onam luncheon celebration and we got invited. Yes, that's Angela in her traditonal Indian Churidar outfit.
Pookhalam, a flower arrangment

9-13 Course Strictly Vegetarian Meals-traditional Onam Sadya meal comprises of different varieties of curries, upperies - thigs fried in oil, pappadams which are round crisp flour paste cakes of peculiar make, uppilittathu - pickles of various kinds, chammanthi - the chutney, payasams and prathamans or puddings of various descriptions. Fruits and digestives are also part of the meal. The food has to be served on a tender Banana leaf, laid with the end to the left. The meal is traditionally served on a mat laid on the floor. (Whew, glad I didn't hve to sit on the floor.)


Steven and the CEO