By Vinod Raghavan*
Muscat: The festival of Onam is celebrated with pompous and gaiety by Malayalees cutting across caste, creed and religion, throughout the world, while the entire state of Kerala celebrates the 10-day festival as an outcome of reasons that have to do with mythology as well as old agrarian practices.
The Indian Media Forum (IMF) a conglomerate of journalists working in the Sultanate of Oman in support of the Modern Exchange has organized for the first time a “Floral Carpet Design” Competition on the occasion of Onam to be held at the Golden Oasis Hotel, Wadi Kabir in Muscat on August 26, 2022, for all the nationalities residing in Oman.
Addressing a press meet today, Jayakumar Vallickavu, General Secretary of IMF said, “The contest is open to every nationality and of every age group. Individuals, as well as a team (of five), can take part in the event. Soon after the registration, the top 25 contestants will be selected (on a first come basis); and they shall take part in the finals on August 26. A team of judges shall take a call on the winners based on the style, theme and décor of the designs. Cash awards for three winners and two consolations along with certificates will also be awarded.”
The competition shall start at 8 am and until 11 am at the hotel. Awards will be announced the same day. The Registration starts today for which one may call at +968 91798002, and the deadline is August 23, 2022.
Lijo John, General Manager of Modern Exchange, at the press meet said, “We are happy to be associated with IMF for the first of its kind floral carpet competition. We, as part of our CSR activities, have been actively engaged in several such events with the aim to give back o the people of Oman.”
He said, “as part of CSR activities Modern Exchange has Life Insurance scheme, which any expatriates either from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal or Sri Lanka or from any African countries or European after sending their money to their near and dear ones, are automatically covered under this ambitious programme, without paying any extra amount,” adding, that “God forbid, if any untoward incident occurs to any expatriates who have sent money within 30 days, their family will be paid the insured amount.”
IMF office bearers – Kabeer Yousuf, President, Iqbal, Coordinator, Abbad Cheruppa, Treasurer were also present on the ocassion.
The Onam story
If one is to go by the myth, then King Mahabali or Maveli was a generous and virtuous ruler, who had once ruled Kerala. During his rule, the kingdom became so prosperous that Devas (Gods of the Heaven) felt jealous about this and also for the reason that King Mahabali was an Asura (a member of the demon clan) who were the enemies of Devas. So, they sent Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana (a Dwarf) to King Mahabali. As an offering from the generous king, Vamana requested Mahabali for three feet of land. And at the time of measuring the three feet of land, Vamana grew so huge that he measured all the worlds and sea in two steps. Since he had nowhere else to place his third step, Mahabali asked Vamana to place it on his head. Pleased by his benevolence, Vamana blessed Mahabali before he was sent to the nether world and granted him permission to visit his dear one once a year. This occasion is celebrated by all Keralites as Onam.
And the other cause for celebrating Onam is because it is the time of the year when a good harvest has been gathered all over Kerala, resulting in plenitude and happiness. The celebrations for Onam are held for ten days, beginning with the Atham Asterism in the month of Chingam (August/September) as per the local calendar.
*Senior journalist
