Happy Onam 2021:

I love that Western Heights is a true family, equal but different and diverse; unique but united.

Some families in our community are right now celebrating Onam.

I will share with you Ruth's thoughts - and her family video - and Mrs D'Lima's thoughts also.

Hi Mr Maindonald

I am sharing a small video of my family celebration!!

We celebrated our Harvest festival “ONAM” the day before yesterday 🌺🌸🌼🌻

Onam is the official state festival of Kerala (a Southern state in India, also known as God’s own country). It is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the world by Malayalees regardless of religion, caste, or creed.  

We prepare a vegetarian banquet lunch served on a banana leaf. It’s a festival of prosperity and equality among people. 

Happy Onam to everyone!!

From Ruth and Joab

Onam, the Harvest festival for all Malayalaees (myself included) is a big festival which happens every year during spring time in India. It has a mythological story about the Dravidian King Mahabali and his legacy for all Malayalees. Malayalees come from Kerela one of the southern states of India.

A variety of vegetarian meals are prepared and served on banana leaves in every house no matter the faith or religion (Hindus, Muslims, Christians etc). In fact its a one of kind festival in Kerela where all faiths celebrate this festival.

Flower decorations adorn every house along with a traditional brass lamp.

This is done because on this day all Malayalees believe their dear King Mahabali will revisit their homes to see them. 

It’s a mythical story because he was a much loved king, who according to the story was crushed under the earth and done away with by the Hindu Gods (namely Vishnu) because he was very popular with his people and they feared the people would stop worshipping the Gods.