padmanabha
1st September 2006, 09:37 PM
[tscii:d5f243da84]Thiruvonam
It is as if the fairy has wielded her magic wand over this tiny strip of land-the God’s own country. The swelling clouds of monsoon fades, the flowers bloom, and the streams giggle. Nature and Malayalee are prepared to receive the legendary King Mahabali on the Thiruvonam day.
What is the legend?
Mahabali’s reign was a period of uninterrupted peace, plenty, and prosperity. This reign of Nature was brought to close by Vamana the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu-one of the Divine Trinities.
Why?
Mahabali was an Asura King against whom and whose prosperous reign the Devas entertained jealousy and hatred. They expressed their concern to Lord Vishnu and requested Him to cripple Mahabali’s increasing popularly. Lord Vishnu accede to their request and assumed the form of Vamana and appeared in front of Mahabali. The King was madly enamored of Vamana’s glided youth. The King welcomed Him and was prepared to fulfill His desire.
The boy demanded nothing but three feet of land. At once, the demand was conceded. Vamana the dwarf, assumed his real gigantic figure. He measured the whole of the earth. It fell short of three feet. To compensate the shortage thus occurred Vamana trod upon Mahabali and pushed him to the infernal regions.
However, the popular outcry consequent upon this event was so great that the ex-ruler was eventually allowed to return to Earth once in a year, which is celebrated as Thiruvonam. During the reign of Mahabali, the whole year round was marked by pomp and revelry. On his annual visit, his subjects welcome him wholeheartedly.
The purpose of Mahabali’s re-visit to the earth is to see how the country prospers in his absence. However, in order to convince him are we not going too far?
Right from caricaturing Mahabali, every aspect of celebration of Onam has totally changed.
“Our attitude toward Mahabali has changed. Legendary Mahabali is a handsome King. Today we portray him as a pot bellied comedy figure and a symbol to laugh at. His is not a figure to caricature. It is not fair to ill-treat the guest,” said His Highness Uthradom Thirunal Mmarthanda Varma, the head of the Travancore Royal Family.
* * * * *
Ten days before Thiruvonam, floral decorations adorn the courtyard. The formation of the floral carpet had its own tradition. The culture and spirit of Onam reflected in the flowers selected for arranging them.
Thumba the little flower with its pristine whiteness, the kakkappoo with bluish violet of the eternal skies, the mukkuthi with the shades of sandal, the lively red of the chemparuthi, the ascetic saffron of the thechi had its own significance in the reverential act of arranging the pookkalam.
However, these flowers are slowly but surely vanishing from our courtyard. Cacti, begonia, and anthuriams now replace the blossoms that once adorned the floral carpets in myriad hues. Now pookkalams are arranged using dahlias and zinnias available in the market and shrill call of poovili is no longer heard. Again, how many of us have the facility of a courtyard? Breaking up of the joint family and apartment culture a natural sequel to this are the main reasons.
From the devotional offering at the courtyard, the Athappoo, has shifted to the lobbies of posh hotels, which is a clear indication of the changing values.
* * * * * *
Onam feast had a very bizarre style. For the old timers it is a delectable trip down the memory lane. It included 64 items eight varieties of each of eight dishes. To accommodate this overwhelming menu three huge plantain leaves were spread one below the other. Now it is the age of the plastic plantain leaf.
Today, the knowledge of these traditional recipes is acquired from cookery shows organized by TV channels and from recipes columns that appear in dailies and periodicals during Thiruvonam.
On normal days, Malayalee is more dependent on Pizza corners and fast food out fits. Catering centers have become so popular that Malayalees arrange the feast in advance and the entire day is set apart for fun and frolic and to programs dished out by various channels. For the women it is also an escape from the hassles of cooking.
* * * * * *
Onam is also an occasion for the family get-together. After the feast women ornate themselves, engaged in swinging mad, and performed Thiruvathirakali. In addition, they paid visits to the dear and near ones.
Now it is age of mobile phones and internet. Hence e-onam has become popular. Instead of visiting households, one can send SMSs, MSMs and e-mails. After the feast, it is time for the siesta or films in the mini screen telecast amidst advertisements.
* * * * * *
Malayalee was synonymous with simplicity. There was a time when we count every pie before spending. Today for living in style, he needs more money and the Malayalee is prepared to spend.
In the case of attire, traditional Handloom sari is replaced by weaves from other states of India, like Ikat, Tanchoi, Balucheri, Chanderi, Tusser, Gadwali, Kotki, Patola, Sambalpuri, Pochampalli, Venkatagiri, fine cottons with block prints and printed silks. For the teenagers the market is flooded with ultramodern ready costumes, like jeans and denims lehanga choli, cargo, wide variety of T-shirts, salwars- kameez and sherwani-kurthas.
* * * * * *
Malayalee’s spending spree is not limited to clothes for which the turn over during Thiruvonam is 500 crores. Since Manmohanomics, Indian society is exposed to sweeping changes across the world. The fever of living in style has quickly conquered us. Besides dress, Hi-fi products have become a fad. Those who posses them form a different hierarchy in the society namely the double elite or the supreme elite. Sensing this manufacturers and distributors come with new offers and exchanging schemes.
To accommodate the products like Home theatre house needs to be palatial. People are prepared to spend much on interior decoration. Carved and richly furnished living rooms, with rugs on the floor, and objects of décor has become common. To prepare French pizzas, grilled non- vegetarians, pastries, and burgers kitchen has to be ultra modern with all gadgets including micro-oven. These are the indicators of the purchasing power of a Malayalee revealed during the Onam season.
Disregarding the lowering value of the Indian currency, the salaries of non-professional show wide disparity. Festival advance, to the government employees is limited. At the same time, MNCs are offering very high salaries to the youngsters.
As a consumer, he gets what he intends. The concept of luxury has changed and so the perception of the people.
It is a pity to see the middle class struggling to fulfil the desire of acquiring them. For the salaried class buy now and pay later has become the buzzword. Post Onam periods are a torrid time for the salary class.
Brightly lit window display beckons. Discounts and irresistible offers tempt. The credit card holder with less discipline is sure to land in trouble.
* * * * *
For the women the lure of the yellow metal is a fascination. They throng the jewellery shops and spend on the latest brown-polished ornaments and the one-gram gold ornaments. With these on, how can one refuse to look good? Therefore, you need cosmetics.
Men are in no way behind. Louis Philippe, Allen Solley, Peter England, and Reid & Taylor, is the popular brands available in the Kerala market. Their campaigns with enriched visuals, grasping catchwords and jingles influence the consumer minds.
Every Malayalee wants to perceive the stylish global changes and emulate them locally. Thus, what we celebrate today is not the traditional Onam but the consumer Thiruvonam.
[/tscii:d5f243da84]
It is as if the fairy has wielded her magic wand over this tiny strip of land-the God’s own country. The swelling clouds of monsoon fades, the flowers bloom, and the streams giggle. Nature and Malayalee are prepared to receive the legendary King Mahabali on the Thiruvonam day.
What is the legend?
Mahabali’s reign was a period of uninterrupted peace, plenty, and prosperity. This reign of Nature was brought to close by Vamana the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu-one of the Divine Trinities.
Why?
Mahabali was an Asura King against whom and whose prosperous reign the Devas entertained jealousy and hatred. They expressed their concern to Lord Vishnu and requested Him to cripple Mahabali’s increasing popularly. Lord Vishnu accede to their request and assumed the form of Vamana and appeared in front of Mahabali. The King was madly enamored of Vamana’s glided youth. The King welcomed Him and was prepared to fulfill His desire.
The boy demanded nothing but three feet of land. At once, the demand was conceded. Vamana the dwarf, assumed his real gigantic figure. He measured the whole of the earth. It fell short of three feet. To compensate the shortage thus occurred Vamana trod upon Mahabali and pushed him to the infernal regions.
However, the popular outcry consequent upon this event was so great that the ex-ruler was eventually allowed to return to Earth once in a year, which is celebrated as Thiruvonam. During the reign of Mahabali, the whole year round was marked by pomp and revelry. On his annual visit, his subjects welcome him wholeheartedly.
The purpose of Mahabali’s re-visit to the earth is to see how the country prospers in his absence. However, in order to convince him are we not going too far?
Right from caricaturing Mahabali, every aspect of celebration of Onam has totally changed.
“Our attitude toward Mahabali has changed. Legendary Mahabali is a handsome King. Today we portray him as a pot bellied comedy figure and a symbol to laugh at. His is not a figure to caricature. It is not fair to ill-treat the guest,” said His Highness Uthradom Thirunal Mmarthanda Varma, the head of the Travancore Royal Family.
* * * * *
Ten days before Thiruvonam, floral decorations adorn the courtyard. The formation of the floral carpet had its own tradition. The culture and spirit of Onam reflected in the flowers selected for arranging them.
Thumba the little flower with its pristine whiteness, the kakkappoo with bluish violet of the eternal skies, the mukkuthi with the shades of sandal, the lively red of the chemparuthi, the ascetic saffron of the thechi had its own significance in the reverential act of arranging the pookkalam.
However, these flowers are slowly but surely vanishing from our courtyard. Cacti, begonia, and anthuriams now replace the blossoms that once adorned the floral carpets in myriad hues. Now pookkalams are arranged using dahlias and zinnias available in the market and shrill call of poovili is no longer heard. Again, how many of us have the facility of a courtyard? Breaking up of the joint family and apartment culture a natural sequel to this are the main reasons.
From the devotional offering at the courtyard, the Athappoo, has shifted to the lobbies of posh hotels, which is a clear indication of the changing values.
* * * * * *
Onam feast had a very bizarre style. For the old timers it is a delectable trip down the memory lane. It included 64 items eight varieties of each of eight dishes. To accommodate this overwhelming menu three huge plantain leaves were spread one below the other. Now it is the age of the plastic plantain leaf.
Today, the knowledge of these traditional recipes is acquired from cookery shows organized by TV channels and from recipes columns that appear in dailies and periodicals during Thiruvonam.
On normal days, Malayalee is more dependent on Pizza corners and fast food out fits. Catering centers have become so popular that Malayalees arrange the feast in advance and the entire day is set apart for fun and frolic and to programs dished out by various channels. For the women it is also an escape from the hassles of cooking.
* * * * * *
Onam is also an occasion for the family get-together. After the feast women ornate themselves, engaged in swinging mad, and performed Thiruvathirakali. In addition, they paid visits to the dear and near ones.
Now it is age of mobile phones and internet. Hence e-onam has become popular. Instead of visiting households, one can send SMSs, MSMs and e-mails. After the feast, it is time for the siesta or films in the mini screen telecast amidst advertisements.
* * * * * *
Malayalee was synonymous with simplicity. There was a time when we count every pie before spending. Today for living in style, he needs more money and the Malayalee is prepared to spend.
In the case of attire, traditional Handloom sari is replaced by weaves from other states of India, like Ikat, Tanchoi, Balucheri, Chanderi, Tusser, Gadwali, Kotki, Patola, Sambalpuri, Pochampalli, Venkatagiri, fine cottons with block prints and printed silks. For the teenagers the market is flooded with ultramodern ready costumes, like jeans and denims lehanga choli, cargo, wide variety of T-shirts, salwars- kameez and sherwani-kurthas.
* * * * * *
Malayalee’s spending spree is not limited to clothes for which the turn over during Thiruvonam is 500 crores. Since Manmohanomics, Indian society is exposed to sweeping changes across the world. The fever of living in style has quickly conquered us. Besides dress, Hi-fi products have become a fad. Those who posses them form a different hierarchy in the society namely the double elite or the supreme elite. Sensing this manufacturers and distributors come with new offers and exchanging schemes.
To accommodate the products like Home theatre house needs to be palatial. People are prepared to spend much on interior decoration. Carved and richly furnished living rooms, with rugs on the floor, and objects of décor has become common. To prepare French pizzas, grilled non- vegetarians, pastries, and burgers kitchen has to be ultra modern with all gadgets including micro-oven. These are the indicators of the purchasing power of a Malayalee revealed during the Onam season.
Disregarding the lowering value of the Indian currency, the salaries of non-professional show wide disparity. Festival advance, to the government employees is limited. At the same time, MNCs are offering very high salaries to the youngsters.
As a consumer, he gets what he intends. The concept of luxury has changed and so the perception of the people.
It is a pity to see the middle class struggling to fulfil the desire of acquiring them. For the salaried class buy now and pay later has become the buzzword. Post Onam periods are a torrid time for the salary class.
Brightly lit window display beckons. Discounts and irresistible offers tempt. The credit card holder with less discipline is sure to land in trouble.
* * * * *
For the women the lure of the yellow metal is a fascination. They throng the jewellery shops and spend on the latest brown-polished ornaments and the one-gram gold ornaments. With these on, how can one refuse to look good? Therefore, you need cosmetics.
Men are in no way behind. Louis Philippe, Allen Solley, Peter England, and Reid & Taylor, is the popular brands available in the Kerala market. Their campaigns with enriched visuals, grasping catchwords and jingles influence the consumer minds.
Every Malayalee wants to perceive the stylish global changes and emulate them locally. Thus, what we celebrate today is not the traditional Onam but the consumer Thiruvonam.
[/tscii:d5f243da84]