Onam to spread aroma in city

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">LUCKNOW: Kerala Samajam, a socio-cultural organisation, is celebrating Onam festival in a grand manner at City Montessori School auditorium, Gomtinagar, here on September 12 from 10.30 am onwards. A variety of cultural programmes will be organised on the occasion.<br /><br />Onam, Kerala''s harvest festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the opening month of Malayalam era (August 16 to September 15) irrespective of caste, creed and religion.This is the most colourful month in Kerala where all kinds of flowers add beauty to its ''<span style="" font-style:="" italic="">sasya samala</span>'' nature.<br /><br />Like all other festivals, Onam has a legend that depicts the story of Mahabali, an Asura king.<br /><br />The folk songs in Kerala sung during Onam, describe the peace and comfort of his subjects during Mahabali''s rule.<br /><br />It is the belief of Malayalees that their benevolent king would visit every home on the ''Thiruvonam'' day. There is a saying in Malyalam—"<span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Kanam Vittum Onam Unnanam</span>"—(Onam should be celebrated even by selling material belongings), which has become part of Kerala''s life.<br /><br />On the ''Thiruvonam'' day, all family members sit together to enjoy the feast wearing new garments. Women gather together in a common place where they conduct the ''Kaikottikkali''. The children enjoy in the days of Onam by playing, dancing and singing.</div> </div>