Thousands of Kochiites celebrated Onam with enthusiasm on Friday. People thronged the Thrikkakara temple here, which is considered to be the seat of Onam, as part of the celebrations.
The Thrikkakara Vishnu temple is one of its kind to have Vamana (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) as the deity.
The temple’s ceremony and rituals began in the early hours of the day with a ritual welcome accorded to Mahabali. Thrikkakara temple authorities said that they expect a record turnout for the traditional ‘Onasadya’, the Onam feast. It will be served at the Thiruvonam hall till 3 p.m. A fireworks display scheduled to be held at 10.30 p.m. will mark the culmination of the festivities.
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Wishing all Kochiites a happy Onam, Benny Behannan, MLA representing the Thrikkakara Assembly constituency, said the temple embodies the spirit of the Onam festival. Cutting across caste and religious belief, people flock to the temple to participate in the Onam celebrations. This place continues to be a symbol of religious harmony, he said.
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Hundreds also visited the Chottanikkara temple here in the morning. The traditional ‘Thiruvonasadya’ witnessed a huge turnout of devotees. Devaswom authorities said that the highlight of the sadya includes ‘pazha pradhaman’ and ‘pazham nurukku’ prepared using the ‘kazhchakula’ (banana) offered to the deity on the day of Uthradam.
Onasadya
The city wore a deserted look till noon, as people preferred to stay at home and enjoy the sumptuous Onasadya. Hotels also came up with Onasadya for people who wanted to celebrate in a relaxed atmosphere. The price for a sadya varied from Rs. 250 to Rs. 400 in leading hotels across the city.
Lavanyam
Lavanyam 2011, the annual Onam cultural fete jointly organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council and the district administration, will offer dance and music programmes for art lovers in the city.
Programmes will begin at 5.30 p.m. at the Durbar hall ground. Kathakali, fusion dance and mega mimicry show will be held at the venue. Ganamela performance by youngsters, karakattam and comedy show will be held at the Marine Drive from 7 p.m. onwards.