Social media works as catalyst for Onam

Onam festival, in India which features “Onasaddya”   the nine course grand feast of good exotic food featuring 13 dishes and traditionally served on a banana leaf,  “vallamkali” boat races , song and dances including Kummatti kali – The Mask Dance, Pulikali / Kaduvakali, Kathakali, Thumbi Thullal and Kaikotti kali. According to the legend, Kerala was ruled by a demon, egoistic king and ancient ruler, Mahabali, who brought prosperity, happiness and celebrated golden era.  Since he was a demon king, Mahabali’s growing popularity made Gods uneasy in “God’s own country”.  To end his reign the gods granted him a boom that he could visit his people once in a year in the month of Chingam August, and people will celebrate Onam every year in gratitude for the boundies of the land and all that nature provides for the people.

An Facebook community  “Onappookkal” managed by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, North India, has attracted even youngsters outside Kerala, south India, enthusiastically celebrate Onam.
This year, digital social network, Facebook community, is also taking payasam orders! The community ‘Onasadya’ started by Nammal Yuvajana Swasraya Sangam gives information including recipes of payasams. During last Onam season, Praveen, an IT employee, presented before the sangam his idea of selling payasam by finding customers online and Onasadya was born.

This year, the sangam made over 200 litres of payasam will be sold in Ernakulam and Alappuzha. Customers who make bookings and commented on Onasadaya’s FB page.

As time moves on, the new generation may look at traditional celebrations from a different perspective. Social media can at least work as a catalyst for keeping the spirits of the season high across the globe and helping the new generation find their roots.