Amidst fanfare and thunderous applause of the audience, the demon king Mahabali ushered in. Accompanied by intense drum beats, the Asura king entered the premises and expressed happiness over his reappearance from the subterranean realms of universe and address his subjects as a part of his annual visit.
The presentation of the skit of legendary king was followed by a string of classical, semi-classical and fusion dance performances.
Agnikula Kshatriya Kalakshetram resonated with a combination of fast and slow beats of traditional music that provided a balmy effect to the Malayalis who arrived in droves to celebrate Onam festival organised by Kairali Arts Club on Sunday.
A well-drawn Pookkalam (floral rangoli) along with the image of king Mahabali was spread at the entrance of the venue. About 600 Malayali families witnessed cultural programmes on the premises that continued till evening, soaking in festive spirit. Excitement was writ large on the faces of hearing-impaired students of S.V. School, Gajuwaka, who came to view the spectacular cultural show as special invitees for the first time.
‘Onam-sadya’
An elaborate spread ‘Onam-sadya’ consisted of over 16 varieties of delicacies, including palada pradaman , aviyal and olan. “Onam is the festival that unites people irrespective of caste and creed. Since thousands of Malayalis reside in the city, we celebrate Onam at the community hall as an extended family, taking part in several activities,” said G. Sasidharan Pillai, president of the club. Vijay Kumar Nair, chief coordinator of Andhra Pradesh Consortium of Malayali Associations, said that most Malayalis living in the port city consider the place as their second home and a majority of them celebrate Onam in Visakhapatnam every year.
Besides the club members, representatives of other Malayali associations too made a beeline for the venue. HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao attended as chief guest. He was accompanied by MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao.
