Aha! Atham


When that Atham Day of Chingam hits the Kerala coast every year it unfailingly brings with it some sort of magical energy which those close to this coast can sense in their souls. This year too it is not different. A cleansing rain early in the morning, a quaint feel at Poornathrayesa Temple, the overwhelming feel of Tripunithura town - gearing up for Athachamayam procession - was just the right starter for this festive season! And for me the thought of the day started when my wife quoted on a article by Dr.V.P.Gangadharan - 

"Onam is now celebrated competitively ! Pookalam (Floral Carpet), which adorns every household during Onam representing its simplicity has now transformed into a fierce competition factor - Look at the schools, colleges, clubs - all are spending so much to import flowers from neigbouring states simply to compete against each other - all for a festival which itself resonates the harmony of humanity!"

Yes. In one way this thought really makes some sense. isnt' it ?! As I look around there is so much of competition - apart from the struggle and competition for livelihood which we Indians are unfortunately destined to, we are competing uncompromisingly against each other during our festivals too. Festival is the time for cooperation and not confrontation - But I look again and I find only chaos - chaos of competition.

Here, I dare to dream from the confines of my room, an Onam - calm with natural coherence, traditional simplicity and with that characteristic festive chaosAs I slip into my dream, I listen to the chorus of rain outside corroded by the chaos of competing cars.

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