In the land blessed by God, not yet completely ruined by man, it is now celebration time.
For others like me, who are away from this land, it is time of nostalgia; notalgia of a past long lost into annals of history.
This is perhaps the only place on earth which interacted with people from far off lands, even from the times of roman/greek civilizations, and accepted the differences. The differences are accepted without belittling them nor loosing once own identity; perhaps a lesson for the whole world as thousands of lives are lost in the name of trivial dogmas
I am glad to observe much of that spirit continues with us, even today.
For instance, take a look at malayalam movies in the past and now. Malayalam movies are unique in its portrayal of people of different ethnicity or language in heroic light, and that is accepted by the people!
Take a look at the language, it has accepted words from many other languages yet maintains its uniqueness.
Is this lack of identity or an identity in itself? Often, we hear cries of Kerala/Malayalam loosing its identity in the cultural melting pot of global village.
Identity of Kerala/Malayalam is not hardened fundamentalism of the weak but rather gentle openness of the strong. It is soothing peace from the land where heights of spiritual wisdom meets depth of humility. It is the land where king sacrificed his powers, and worldly existence, for the overall benefit of people. It is a place where divine worship goes beyond the confines of religious barriers and dogmas
I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Onam as Onam celebrations starts today
......
Aaru Chavitti Thazthilum, azhalin
Paathalathilolikkulum etho
Poorvasmaranayil Aahladathin
Lokathethum Hridayam
.......
Oru Thaarakaye Kaanumbol Athu Raavu Marakkum
Puthumazha Kaanke Varalcha Marakkum
Paalchiri Kandathu Mrithiye Marannu
Sukhiche Pokum
Courtsey: Poet Sugathakumari
Words roughly translate to mean:
Even when forced into submission or lost in depth of despair,
Human mind springs back into the world of happiness with nostalgic charm
.....
Forgets darkness of night in the beauty of even a lone star
Forgets droughts in the glory of rain
Forgets death on innocent smile of a child
