Onam Diaries # Part 1

Years back,every Fridays,we used to have a Video call with my aunt-also my close confidante.Ours is a bijou family and we are pretty much ostracized here. So our relief and our family reunion was that particular video call. It was a hectic task:setting the Wi-Fi , the web cam ,the speakers, arranging the computer and finally hunting for the spot for unhindered network connection with cables all over the place leaving my younger self wondering how my sister managed it all(which is relevant to this minute).I pitied the predicament that forced us to fit emotions in a minuscule rectangular screen. Back then I didn't anticipate this would be our present ,our future for an uncertain period and to put it simply, our way of life. FAST FORWARD TO THE PRESENT, HERE WE ARE AND VOILA!! Right from learning to communications:we are literally living virtually! I take a moment to thank whoever it was who initiated WhatsApp,Zoom,Webex or any meeting apps and yeah sure,the 4G network connection as I'm no fan of the age old Herculean procedures of video calling in computers with a lagging internet. Onam- the festival that binds us together and has a special tinge of specialty to it-for all Malayalis.When we lie in wait with unblemished expectations for Shri.Maveli,the king whose legend is inextricably linked with Onam.Ten days of preparation adorned with flower carpets and a glance back into that traditional way of life;that keralathanima,Onam embarks on an inexplicable,magnanimous jaunt straight into the hearts of Keralites,trouncing all the barricades of religion,caste,position and status. Onam transpires into a fervour that ties us tight to our own heritage. With this preface to the festive season which holds immense significance and distinction in our society,there are no prizes for guessing to what extent Onam might be celebrated in schools,colleges or any of those public institutions. Wrapped up in the Modish yet customary Kerala saris and dhotis ,in attires linked to the Keralite lore,we set out for the treasure trove of games,sadhya and pure magic Onam has in store for us.In schools,that day which helps emancipate all the worries and pressure of Onam exams,that day which marks the beginning of ten days of perpetual,stirring fun was the day of our Onam celebration. The pang of regret and anguish over the irreplaceable loss of an opportunity to cherish Onam at school or ..to add drama to it like in our case(the 12th graders),the final go at making memories there,if expressed in words,I fear,will lose its colour...But yeah,did I tell you? We Malayalis have no record of giving up or sitting idle ,helplessly, which was exactly why we did what we did....