Pookalam, prayers & prasad: Festive spirit marks Onam celebrations

Indore: The Lord Ayyappa Temple in Mahalaxmi Nagar was filled with devotion and festivity on Sunday as the Malayali community came together to celebrate Onam. The day was marked by a series of traditional rituals, signifying unity, prosperity and joy. Worshippers began arriving as early as 5:30 AM to seek blessings not just for themselves but for the entire community.Pookalam, a floral rangoli made with nearly 250 kg of flowers, greeted devotees at the temple entrance. This intricate and captivating design symbolised the spirit of Onam. After the morning prayers, the devotees were offered Ada Pradhaman, a traditional Kerala sweet dish, as prasad.Women adorned themselves in elegant Kasavu sarees, while the men were dressed in off-white mundu, contributing to the cultural vibrance of the occasion. The temple itself was beautifully decorated with flowers, enhancing the festive atmosphere.Damodaran Nair, president of the Lord Ayyappa Charitable Trust, said, “The temple was opened at 5.30 am, Ganapathi hawan started at 6.30 am, after which Pookalam was made and prasad was distributed amongst the devotees. Onam is more than a celebration; it is a time for spiritual reflection and gratitude. We made special arrangements at the temple for the festival and many members of the community have invited friends from other communities for the Onam Sadya, a feast that represents our cultural richness.” The Ayyappa temple will host the community Onam Sadya on Sept 22.The temple courtyard was alive with joy as families sought blessings, greeted one another, and captured memories near the Pookalam. The spirit of Onam extended beyond the temple with many Malayali families opening their homes to friends and neighbours, sharing the traditional Onam Sadya.“Our children wanted their friends to experience Onam, so we invited them for the Sadya,” said Breeshmi Umesh, a Malayali from the city.The day was filled with laughter, the aroma of traditional dishes and a palpable sense of togetherness, as the Onam Sadya, served on banana leaves, became the highlight of the celebrations.