Onam

A Unifying Festival Bridging Communities and Boundaries

Onam commemorates the mythical return of King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler, to his kingdom. The heart of Onam beats to the legend of King Mahabali, a ruler loved by his people for his benevolence and wisdom. The festival marks his annual return to Kerala to ensure his people's well-being. The captivating myth narrates how Mahabali's humility and generosity garnered him the favor of gods, leading to his temporary banishment to the netherworld. Yet, he was granted permission to visit his beloved kingdom once a year, and this momentous occasion became the essence of Onam.

The festival is marked by an array of colorful rituals, elaborate feasts, and spirited festivities that span over ten days.

The iconic floral rangoli, known as Pookkalam, adorns the entrances of homes, welcoming King Mahabali's return.Along with fun games, sing along and dancing during the festival it bonds everyone irrespective of their age.

The grand Onam Sadhya (Onasadhya), a sumptuous vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, is a hallmark of the festival, symbolizing unity and harmony. A sumptuous vegetarian spread meticulously served on a banana leaf, the Sadhya isn't just a meal; it's a symphony of flavors, a celebration of traditions, and a testament to unity.The Sadhya presents a cornucopia of dishes, each meticulously curated to showcase the culinary diversity of Kerala.

• The aviyal, a harmonious blend of vegetables cooked in a tangy coconut gravy, delights the palate with its medley of textures and tastes.
• The thoran, with its distinctive stir-fried vegetables and coconut, adds a delightful crunch to the ensemble.
  
• The creamy olan, prepared with ash gourd, coconut milk, and spices, offers a comforting and delicate flavor profile. Kootu curry, with its medley of vegetables in a spiced coconut gravy, brings a unique depth to the spread.
• The ethereally crispy and slightly spicy banana chips lend a satisfying crunch, complementing the medley of flavors.
• Kaalan, a delectable curry of yogurt, coconut, and raw bananas, adds a tangy twist to the feast.
• The warm, tangy rasam, served alongside the comforting sambar, infuses the meal with a burst of flavors.

• The sarakara varatti, an indulgent delight of banana slices fried to perfection and coated in jaggery syrup. This sweet and savory treat is a testament to Kerala's love for juxtaposing flavors.
  
• And finally, there's the pappadam, adding a delightful crunch to the culmination of flavor.
  

Served alongside a mound of perfectly cooked rice, these dishes come together like the diverse communities of Kerala, united in the spirit of Onam. Just as the legendary King Mahabali's reign was characterized by harmony and unity, the Sadhya embodies the essence of abundance, sharing, and togetherness.

The journey of flavors finds a sweet ending with paayasam. This creamy and fragrant jaggery rice pudding, simmered in milk and infused with cardamom and saffron, brings sweetness and satisfaction to the meal. It's the embodiment of the festival's essence - the joy of abundance and the spirit of unity.

The Onam Sadhya isn't merely a feast; it's a portrayal of Kerala's cultural opulence, culinary mastery, and the power of unity. And as Sobha Dream Acres embraces this sentiment, it echoes the very message of Onam - that harmony amidst diversity is a celebration in itself.Onam, is not just a celebration; it's a time to embrace traditions, spread joy, and foster a strong sense of community. This sentiment became the driving force behind the inception of Avesham back in 2019, a heartwarming initiative by a small Malayalee community group nestled within the vibrant neighborhood of Sobha Dream Acres.

Avesham holds a mirror to this vibrant spirit and epitomizes our unity. Avesham embodies the very essence of "One SDA One Onam"

From its very first year, Avesham proved to be more than just an event – it was a triumphant affair that resonated with over a thousand families residing in the community.

However, as the world was plunged into the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations everywhere were dimmed. The year 2022 marked a triumphant return for Avesham. It wasn't merely a Malayalee affair anymore; it had transcended into a unifying event that drew participation from across the diverse Sobha Dream Acres community.

On that note, we want to express our deep appreciation for the strong support on organising Avesham'23 from Residents Welfare Association of all the three SDA Phases. Your involvement has added a strong touch to our community's bonding for the celebrations. We applaud your endeavors and express our deepest gratitude for making our community more than just a place to live – you've made it a true home.

Looking forward, the anticipation for the upcoming Avesham'23 celebration is palpable. The organizing committee, driven by an unwavering dedication, is committed to crafting an experience that surpasses all expectations.

See you all there!!

Artforms

Theyyam

Theyyam, a divine dance form, isn't just a performance; it's a spiritual revelation. Theyyam, often hailed as a living incarnation of the divine, transcends the conventional boundaries of theater. It's a mystical journey where performers don the attire of deities, ancestors, or legendary figures, and through intricate rituals and intense movements, become the living embodiment of these entities. It's not just a performance; it's a communion with the divine.

Enacted in temples across the Malabar region, it brings ancient myths and legends to life. The performers transform into deities, adorned in intricate costumes and striking makeup.

Through powerful movements and enchanting chants, Theyyam connects the human realm with the divine. This sacred art form serves as a channel to seek blessings, heal wounds, and celebrate unity within the community. The roots of Theyyam run deep into Kerala's cultural soul. It's a tradition that goes beyond mere artistic expression; it's a spiritual experience that binds communities together. Villages gather to witness the performance, not as passive spectators, but as active participants in a collective journey. The drumbeats, the chants, and the vibrant visuals become a thread that weaves people, regardless of caste or creed, into a shared narrative of devotion and cultural pride.

Kathakali

Kathakali is more than a dance; it's an eloquent storytelling technique. Elaborate makeup, grand costumes, and dramatic gestures create a visual spectacle that narrates tales from ancient epics and mythology.Combining intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and vibrant facial expressions, Kathakali narrates tales from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It's a visual symphony of emotions, where the artist's body becomes a canvas for profound emotions and characters. Beyond entertainment, Kathakali holds a mirror to the intricacies of human nature, while bringing people together to witness timeless stories unfold on stage.

This art form's significance goes beyond entertainment; it's a vessel for stories that have been passed down through generations. Just as Theyyam, Kathakali is a magnet that draws communities together. Audiences are transported into a world of heroes, villains, and cosmic battles, transcending time and space.

Thiruvathirakali

Thiruvathirakali, an exquisite dance form hailing from the state of Kerala, is more than just rhythmic movements and graceful sways; it's a celebration of womanhood and solidarity. Performed during festive occasions, especially Onam, this dance embodies the essence of Kerala's cultural fabric. Women, clad in traditional attire, form circles and dance in synchrony, their hands clapping and feet moving in elegant harmony.

Thiruvathirakali, with its graceful motions and rhythmic claps, mirrors the collective heartbeat of Kerala's women. Each step signifies the essence of solidarity among them. Through this dance, women celebrate their unique identities while forming a collective whole that's greater than the sum of its parts. Thiruvathirakali showcases the beauty of unity, not just through synchronized movements, but also through the shared stories, laughter, and cultural heritage that these gatherings foster. As women across generations join in this captivating dance, they weave threads of connection that bridge age gaps, strengthen relationships, and uphold the cherished values of Kerala's rich heritage.

Thiruvathirakali reflects not only the artistry of movement but also the bond shared among women, transcending age and background. It stands as a testament to unity and the enduring strength of Kerala's communities, echoing the spirit of togetherness that the state holds dear.

With the essence of Theyyam, Kathakali, and Thiruvathirakali, Avesham intends to amplify our community bonding. Just as these art forms bring people together, we aspire to foster connections, share stories, and celebrate our unity at Avesham. Through performances and cultural exchanges, we hope to create an atmosphere where diversity thrives, much like Kerala during its festivities.

In a world of constant change, Kerala's traditional arts stand as reminders of the profound beauty and wisdom that have endured through centuries. Theyyam, Kathakali, and Thiruvathirakali aren't just performances; they are the echoes of a culture's heartbeats, resonating across generations and embracing people in a symphony of unity and heritage.

As we prepare for Avesham, let's infuse the spirit of these art forms into our gathering. Let's come together, share, and celebrate our unity in diversity, just as these art forms have done for generations in Kerala.

Resident artists and writers of SDA

ബാബുരാജിന്റെ സ്വപ്നം

Golden Years

Day has a fag end called dusk

Cool and colorful, always...

Life has a fag end too – old age

Kind and happy in many ways...

Aged are those blessed ones

With wisdom from life’s lessons

Needing not to impress anyone

Always impressed by everyone!

They can laugh at anything

Are at peace with everything...

They can see what we can’t feel

Have seen it all in life’s reel...

Age sometimes plays its tricks,

Make them look they lost their wits!

When they have a memory loss

All their wisdom goes for a toss!

Love and care are all they want

Nothing more they ever demand

Don’t mistake their innocence,

As what many think as ignorance...

Their dependency isn’t liability

But only our responsibility...

Know that life is just a cycle

Like Day and Night, so very simple;

It’s only a matter of time for us

For no one ever escapes old age!

അമ്മയെ കാണാൻ

കുറൂരമ്മ

Kerala -

The Magical land

Amidst the lush paddy fields, my heart dwells,

A village adorned with nature's magical spells.

The emerald carpet under the azure sky,

In my memories, forever it will lie.

Rippling rivers, a soothing melody they sing,

Flowing gracefully, like a silver string.

The sun's golden rays dancing on their tide,

Reflecting beauty, where nostalgia resides.

In the heart of the village, a temple stands,

With ancient stories etched on its walls and lands.

The aroma of incense fills the air,

A divine haven, tranquil and fair.

The fragrance of jasmine in the breeze,

Whispers of the past, memories that please.

Ethereal beauty that time can't erase,

Kerala's charm, a timeless embrace.

The cooing of birds, the rustling of leaves,

Nature's symphony, a soulful reprieve.

Amidst the greens, I find solace and peace,

A tapestry of memories, they never cease.

O, beautiful Kerala, your grace I adore,

In my heart, your nostalgia forever more.

For in your embrace, I find my soul's delight,

A land so enchanting, a magical sight.

നിറമാല

അന്വേഷണത്തിന്റെ പാത