Date:23/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082360110300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

One-stop shop for your Onam requirements

Staff Reporter

— Photo: K. Pichumani

FESTIVE MOMENTS: Women perform ’kaikottikalli’ (form of dance) at the Onam carnival inaugurated in Chennai on Wednesday.

Chennai: For all things linked to the Onam festival, step into the Madras Kerala Samaj’s carnival inaugurated here on Wednesday.

Stalls sell everything from sharkaravaratti (a must-eat sweet at any Onam feast) to the traditional off-white Kerala sari. Pappadams, banana chips, coconut oil, instant ‘appam’ mix, ‘palada payasam’ mix, chamba ari puttu mix, jackfruit jam and salted mangoes are available.

Non-vegetarians may like to try the prawn and meat pickles on sale.

Bananas, yam, tapioca and kodampuli (tamarind variety) have been brought from farms in Kerala. Homemade ginger – tamarind paste is available in Rs. 10 packs.

Madras Kerala Samaj president TMR Panicker said the Onam carnival was a successful programme that had been organised for 10 years.

Managing director of Prince Jewellery Princeson Jose inaugurated the fair.

The bazaar will be on till August 26 (10 a.m. – 8 p.m. everyday) at the Madras Kerala Samaj, 903, Poonamallee High Road (near Dasaprakash junction).

A cultural programme with traditional Onam dances will be held on August 27.