Festive times

Keralites are all set to celebrate Onam once more. Functions are to be held in all the social clubs in the capital.

Ladies are gearing up to participate in the various competitions and cultural shows, the foremost of these being the floral carpet competition where petals and rice powder are used to make intricate designs.

Also on the calendar of events is the Pullikali or tiger dance performed exclusively by women.

The traditional Onam feast, an elaborate menu of purely vegetarian dishes often cooked by the woman members of the clubs, is a favourite with children.

Onam falls in the first month of the Malayalam new year and is observed for four days. All Keralites join to honour King Mahabali and to celebrate a good harvest and the bounties of nature.

The best way to know about people and culture is to enjoy their festivals.