Mangalore - Colours of Onam paint

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As the festival season is already set on this part of the world, the hidden colours of Mangalore have started to come out in the open to dazzle. With significantly large number of students from various states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bengal, Andhra, Tamil and not to forget also a large population of Keralites studying in various colleges of the city, Mangalore is gradually getting that cosmopolitan ambience.

But during the festivals like Onam the Kerala community delights Mangalore with their vibrant culture and colourful festivities. Since Onam is now drawing nearer the Malayalam community is now in the alacrity of celebration. The first signs of Onam happens in the colleges, particularly the law colleges, management institutions, physiotherapy and nursing colleges in the city.

The SDM Law College campus today wore a festive look as all students including Mangaloreans irrespective of their culture and region, joined their Malayalam counterparts in celebrating Onam. Female students in their traditional cream colour sarees with gold border and men students in their traditional Kerala Kurtas change the dress code in Mangalore for atleast one day. Talk to them and they unfold the entire story of Onam for you.

While the lady students drew the gorgeous Pookalm Rangolis, their male counterparts decorated the halls and college lobby with coconut leaves, lamps, balloons etc. There were various cultural programmes organized as part of the celebrations.

The chief guest on the occasion, Dr. B. Yashovarma Secretary of S.D.M Education Society inaugurated the event. Speaking on this occasion, he said that festivals like Onam was a perfect symbol of communal harmony and an occasion for joy and merriment. Such occasions bring the people of different cultures closer, he said.

The Vice President of state BJP, Anwar Manipaddy was also present on this occasion as a guest of honour. Principal of the college Dr BK Ravindra, Dr PD Sebastian and convener Remil Tom were also present on this occasion.

According to tradition, on this day, Mahabali, the righteous ruler of ancient Kerala, visits his erstwhile subjects. The people, who remember his reign as a golden era, decorate their homes with flowers and put on new clothes to welcome him.

In Hindu lore, Mahabali is a demon king, whose power and popularity aroused the envy of the gods. Responding to their entreaty, Vishnu the Creator incarnated as a dwarfish Brahmin, named Vamana, and tricked the king into making a promise he could not keep. Before punishing Mahabali by despatching him to the netherworld, Vamana granted his prayer to be allowed to visit his people once a year.

Folk songs of uncertain origin, handed down from generation to generation, hail the age of Mahabali as a time when all men were equal, no one uttered a lie, and there was no deceit or falsehood of any kind.