Malayalees savour Onam feast

Although Onam was celebrated in Kerala on September 14, Keralites in the twin cities seem to be still revelling in the festivities. Members of ATMA Malayalee Seva Samithi celebrated the festival with pomp and gaiety recently.

CPM Politburo member and former Kerala Education Minister MA Baby inaugurated the celebrations. He spoke about the importance of Onam in the life of every Keralite. He also spoke about the relevance of message behind Onam.

Baby expressed happiness over ATMA bringing Malayalees under an umbrella and lauded the services being rendered by the organisation for the downtrodden.

Chairman of ATMA CG Chandra Mohan presided over the Onam fete ‘Onappulari’. Chandra Mohan said away from the beaten track, ATMA’s welfare activities were different and aimed at the lower and middle class Keralites and sought the cooperation of all Keralites towards this.

The colourful ‘Onappookkalam’ (floral decoration) by ATMA members attracted a huge gathering at Mahendra Reddy Gardens, Bowenpally.

Chief Operating Officer of Incredible India, Praveen Nedungadi, Chairman, Professional Couriers, Thomas John and Operation Head, Malabar Gold, Jijesh Nambiar also spoke.

Earlier President of ATMA, R Suresh Nair, in his address, explained about the birth and aim of the organisation and its future programmes. General Secretary B N Ajaya Kumar welcomed and detailed the working of ATMA for the past one year.

Later, scholarships were distributed to meritorious students. Elders were honoured on the occasion. The cultural programme started with the traditional “Thiruvathirakali” staged by the women of Safilguda Sangamam. Ganamela and other cultural programmes were presented by the famous Time Jokes of Kozhikode.

Highlight of the programme was the sumptuous Onasadhya (Onam feast) with all traditional Kerala delicacies including prathaman by Uttara Caterers.