Date:07/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/07/stories/2008100760260600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Onam celebrated

Staff Reporter

Singari Melam performed

Photo: R. Ashok

VANQUISHED: A ballet depicting the pushing of demon King Mahabali to paataala by Lord Vishnu’s incarnation Vamana during Onam celebrations in Tiruchi on Sunday. —

TIRUCHI: Recreating the flavour of God’s Own Country, the Malayalee Association of Tiruchi organised Ponnonam ’08 on Sunday.

Dressed in their traditional attire, over 300 Malayalee members of the association pepped up the festivity with a string of cultural shows.

Malayali Sangam from BHEL presented ‘Thiruvathirakali,’ while the alumni of Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts came up with ‘Kaikottikkali.’

The best part of the show was a ballet depicting Lord Vishnu’s avatar Vamana pushing demon King Mahabali to pataala. A four-year-old kid, holding an umbrella, poignantly enacted the role of Vamana, the Brahmin dwarf. Mohiniyaattam followed the ballet, where a couple of dancers enthralled the crowd with deft movements and appealing expressions.

Singari Melam, performed by a troupe from Trissur, keyed up the enthusiasm of the members, who were on toes all through the concert. Film and folk dances, mimicry, ‘oppana’ and ‘ganamela’ quickly tagged along other performances, making the event impressive by any standards.

Transport Minister K. N. Nehru inaugurated the association. Mayor Sarubala R. Tondaiman and Corporation Commissioner T. T. Balsamy offered felicitations.

Souvenir released

A souvenir was released marking the inauguration. President of the association T.V.N. Varier presided over. Secretary Abdul Nassar distributed prizes to the winners of ‘pookalam,’ a rangoli competion, and tug-of-war.