Onam, the first thought that comes to my mind is the fun nd frolic associated with onam. I come from Uttar Pradesh, there the celebration of Onam is in a whole different manner. Before coming to Kerala I didn't even knew that approx of 10 day holiday was given for Onam. Where I lived we malayaliess over there had a small samajam called "Kairalee Samajam" it consist of all the keralites living over there. Onam has a special place in each one of us. Over there we only get an half day leave for Onam, it was a little depressing but still, we longed for that. On the day of Onam we got an early leave from our schools, the happiness in our minds are unaccountable, my keralite counterparts and I would rush to our homes to get changed to the new dresses that were bought as part of Onam cellebration. We all eagerly gathered in our samajam's hall, its a big hall with a grand stage. It was the venue of our Onam cellebration, when we reach there we witness the beautifully decorated pookalams that are prepared by children, after that there are lots of games which are arranged for all starting from the smallest to the eldest. Different games like tug of war, bombing the city, passing the parcel and many more are conducted and many gifts ate also given. We also have an inauguration program in which famous personalities are invited as chief guests, Onam related dance and song competition are also conducted and the prize for the best pookalam is also awarded. After all this comes the highlight of the day the Onam sadhya (Onam feast) we have all sort of dishes and delicious food which is served to all on banana leaves. After all this there are one or two rounds of Bingo and cash prizes are alloted for the winners starting fron 5000 rupees. Then we all merrily return to our homes and tune to any malayalam channel and watch the movies featuring on the occasion. It may not sound very interesting to all but for us it is one of the best day in our lives.
