Kerala Samajam celebrates Onam

Tirupati: The members of Kerala Samajam, Tirupati were in jubilant mood on Sunday as they celebrate Onam with religious fervour and gaiety. Normally, the festival comes in the first week of September and all Malayalis from across country and abroad reach Kerala for the celebrations.

Men and women dressed up in traditional wear of Kerala for the event and the Rangoli organised by women drew a huge crowd. Keralites adore the King Mahabai as a lovable king. They believe that he comes every year from ‘Patalam’ where he was pushed out by Vamana, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Later he granted a boon to Mahabali that he could visit once in every year to look after the lands and people once he ruled.

This revisit is marked as Onam. The celebrations began in the morning and continued till evening. They held competitions in Thiruvaathirakali, dance and songs. Speaking on the occasion, Kerala Samajam president P Narayanan said a survey revealed that the Kerala population was increasing in Tirupati.

Many students were coming for studies and business to Tirupati. Hence, it was decided to conduct more events in the city. He recalled the Swachh Bharath event which they conducted recently, and they are going to organise a blood donation camp soon.

CPI district secretary Rama Naidu said in every field Keralites were making their mark and recognised them as service-oriented. Chairman of Save Group of Colleges Y Praveen, SP Mahila Visvavidyalayam Women’s department Professor Jayasree, Lakshmi Nair and Dr Suresh Nampoothiri spoke.