It is time to rejoice for scores of Malayalis, who made the port city their home, as they involve themselves in an array of recreational activities for the ensuing Onam festival.
Exhibiting teamwork and putting their skills to effective use, a good number of classical dancers become choreographers to groom a group of people in dance presentations, weaving traditional themes.
Many consider the celebrations held at the community centres an opportunity to bring out their creative best and train people, incorporating their collective expertise. From designing elaborate floral patterns to highlighting cultural aspects, a lot of effort goes into summarising the essence of the festival at various venues.
Bengaluru-based Ashna Dev, Bharatanatyam dancer, says every year she prefers celebrating Onam in Visakhapatnam with her parents and friends. “The annual Onam celebration in the city, where I grew up, is hard to miss as the rituals and revelry offer a unique flavour. This year, I am training a group of people in a combination of freestyle and semi-classical dance forms, depicting the story of king ‘Mahabali’,” says Ashna, who is all set to present the dance at a socio-cultural organisation of Malayalis.
‘Kaikottikali’, also known as ‘Thiruvathirakali’, is a folk dance which becomes an intrinsic part of Onam celebrations.
“The emphasis is on rhythmic movements wherein a group of women dance clapping hands (kaikotti). It needs a lot of practice to get the right rhythm and preparation for this folk dance starts well in advance,” says Beena Sashidharan, dancer who is training a team of 10 women in Kaikottikali.
Men too gear up to unleash their creative streaks by taking part in dance presentation and skits. P.R. Krishna Kumar, serving in the Navy, is all excited to don the role of legendary king Mahabali for the second time at an in-house programme. “I am happy to play the part of the Asura king whose rule was deemed as golden era in the pages of history,” he says.
The community associations too are trying to pull out all the stops to celebrate the harvest festival of God’s Own Country with gusto. With committee members and Kerala-based troupe performing traditional dance and skits, Kerala Kala Samiti is celebrating the festival on its premises on September 10.
Featuring a cultural show, Kairali Arts Club, a voluntary organisation of Malayalis, is celebrating Onam at Agnikula Kshatriya Kalakshetram, B.C. Road, Gajuwaka on Sunday from 10 a.m. onwards.