Roosky festival to mark Onam

This Saturday the village of Roosky is will mark an ancient Hindu festival of Kerala that celebrates rice harvest.

Naval Haafiz Mohamed is on the Organizing Committee of Namaste Ireland: “I represent an Indian community named ‘Namaste Ireland’ which is based on Indians living in Roscommon, Leitrim, and Longford. We are celebrating Onam, a traditional and cultural festival of Kerala, the southern most state of India.”

Onam is the traditional festival of Kerala, which is celebrated every year during the month of August or September depending on Malayalam month calendar, in the month of “Chingam”. “This festival is celebrated as a remembrance of King Mahabali, who is considered to be the noblest and most prosperous ruler, who transformed his kingdom into a heavenly place,” Naval explained.

According to Hindu mythology, God Vishnu granted Mahabali a boon, whereby he could return back to his homeland once every year. The harvest festivals of Balipratipada and Onam are celebrated to mark his yearly homecoming.

Naval explained what the festival is about: “On the day of the event, A person dressed as King Mahabali will greet everyone. People will gather around in our traditional Kerala outfit.”

An onam flower carpet (Pookkalam) will be on the floor which symbolises good harvest and prosperity. Thiruvathirakkali, which is a traditional folk dance will be performed. There will be other cultural programs too including songs and dances , and games like vadamvali(tug of war), musical chair etc.

“The most inevitable part of the festival is “Onam Sadhya” , the great Onam dinner with 24 food items served on a banana leaf,” Naval told the Leader.

Naval says the event is for invited guests: “We expect around 60 to 70 people including kids. As Onam is one of the most important festivals of Kerala , all keralites celebrates this , to embrace the culture and heritage and to promote the cultural values to the next generation. Even though Onam is a Hindu festival, people from all religion celebrates this, moreover Onam is a regional festival than a religious festival. Eugene Murphy, Senator of the agricultural panel, Roscommon is the chief guest.”

The gathering is in The Roosky Centre, Main Street, Roosky this Saturday, September 9 from 10.30am.