X' PLORICA: 09/15/16

Thursday, 15 September 2016

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY

In 2007 the United Nations General Assemblyresolved to observe 15 September as the International Day of Democracy—with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy—and invited all member states and organizations to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner that contributes to raising public awareness.

The preamble of the resolution affirmed that:

…while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region...

…democracy is a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their fullparticipation in all aspects of life.

ONAM

The harvest festival Onam (Malayalam:ഓണം) is the major festival celebrated in Kerala, India. It is also the State festival of Kerala with State holidays on 4 days starting from Onam Eve (Uthradom) to the 3rd Onam Day.

The festival falls during the Malayalam monthof Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the commemoration of home-coming of the King Mahabali. In Kerala, it is the festival celebrated with most number of cultural elements such as Vallam Kali, Pulikali, Pookkalam, Onathappan, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal, Kummati kali, Onathallu, Onavillu, Kazhchakkula, Onapottan, Atthachamayam etc. Onam is reminiscent of Kerala's agrarian past, as it is considered to be a harvest festival.

Onam is the rice harvest festival of Kerala. It is also known as the festival of Rain flowers.
All the ten days of celebration of Onam has its own significance.
The characteristic floral designs known as ‘pookkalam’ are symbolic of this festival. Usually the women of the house make different types of patterns on the ground with flowers and lit lamps to invite King Mahabali to their house.
People gift and wear new clothes; this is known as onakkodi.
Grand feasts are prepared on this occasion. This is known as onam ‘sadya’. Usually around 13 dishes are prepared for this. The food is served on banana leaves and commonly consists of rice along with different dishes, pickles and papads.
A characteristic sweet dish called ‘payasam’ is a must during Onam. It is made of rice, milk, sugar and coconut.
Vallamkali is the ritual of Snake boat race called ‘chundans’ that is a grand event in Kerala nowadays. Huge snake shaped boats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen compete with each other. Huge amounts of cash rewards are distributed as prizes for the winners.
People burn fire crackers during Onam.
Elephants decorated with huge amounts of gold ornaments are characteristic of Onam processions.
Thrikkakara appan or Vaman Vishnu idols are installed at homes for worship.
Different types of cultural activities mark the celebration of Onam which include the traditional Kathakali dance, music, art and cuisine.
Special dancers painted in yellow and black resembling tigers are seen commonly during Onam performing Pulikali dance. thanks
This time of the year is declared as the Tourism week in Kerala as this is the best time to visit the state.
Onam is of special importance as it unites people of all religions residing in the state. It spreads the message of unity and peace in society.