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Some Onam Symbols, Games and Activities in Malayalam and English

Posted On: August 24, 2015

Countless representations of Maveli pop up almost overnight throughout Kerala as Onam nears. Maveli is one of the iconic onam symbols and ‘mascot’ of Onam, just as Santa is for some at Christmas. Though Maveli can look a little different in different forms, there are a few common characteristics that must be there:

• He must be carrying an umbrella. I am sure that is a special type of umbrella that goes by a Malayalam word, but I am not sure what that is. 
• I have also usually seen him with a mustache and pot belly, that always, always, always is bare (unlike Santa’s). 
• Maveli wears traditional Kerala men’s attire – the mundu around the waist and one draped like a kind of scarf around his neck. Regarding the jewelry – neckaces and wrist- others can fill us in on that. 
• The thread along the belly from sholder to waist must also be symbolic.
• And, to top it off, no Mahveli is complete without a crown! (He is a king, afterall!)

On the signboard above, there are also two tigers drawn, one at each bottom corner. This represents pulikali. Puli means tiger, kali means play. People dress up like tigers.They react scenes of tigers being caught by humans.

So, what is Onam? Onam is a holiday unique to Kerala and Keralites in India. If you work with an offshore development team or BPO in Kochi, Ernakulam or Kakkanad (Infopark), I would like to show you a few photos of how some of the companies and community prepares for Onam.

The purpose of this post is mostly to share images of community decorations and preparations. If you would like to read about the actual celebrations, click here, or the story of Onam, click here.

 

Based on my limited Malayalam reading ability, I think it says
Onaghosham 2015  –  Geo Infopark  – Kinfra – Kakkanad  –  Onamashamsagal

(Line 1 may say “Onam festivities”, Line two and three list the location. Line 4 says “Onam greetings.”)

What are English Translations of Malayalam Words Used for Onam?

What is Onakaineetam – ഓണക്കൈനീതം?
This is an offering (neetam) by hand (kai – കൈ) done on the occasion of Onam. This poster asks us to donate clothes for the needy. There are also rice donation spots, which go by a different word in Malayalam.

 

Sadya Delivery
Sadya (സാധ്യ) is the name of the feast with over 30 curries served on a banana leaf. Now a days, many families may order sadya instead of cooking at home, as there are more nuclear families.

 

What is Payasam പായസം? 
Onam is the season for a whole bunch of kinds of payasam. Payasam is a milk based pudding made of different rices or pulses with fruits or nuts added.

 

 

 

The public announcement is posted on the building’s bulliten board in the reception area. Let’s see what are the items on the agenda.