As I took breakfast this morning Dalila, my wonderful cook, and Anu, my ever-cheerful houseboy, sat in the kitchen, separating flower petals.
We are now in the midst of Onam – Kerala’s biggest festival – a time celebrated by everyone: Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike.
Part of Onam’s tradition is the making of a “pookalam”: a small carpet of flower petals to welcome the return of a semi-mythical Kerala king whose reign, much like England’s King Arthur, was a time of peace, justice and chivalry.
Once they had taken breakfast Anu, with the help of Stefan – Dalila’s youngest son – spent the rest of the morning creating an Onam pookalam in our hall.
________________
________________
What a lovely way to celebrate and made better because it is all together
It’s very much a community celebration – and also one that provides many shopping opportunities!
What a beautiful thing to do. Snake boat races too, do you attend?
No, I’ver never been to the races.
They are held only one hour’s drive from here but the very large crowds deter me..
Pingback: Festivals and Happiness « Eternal Traveller and the Mysterious Sojourner !
Pingback: Saying it with Flowers on Onam | Pins N Ashes