Lucknow: Onam’s spirit of togetherness brought people together at a cultural programme organised by the Lord Ayyappa Temple committee in Gomti Nagar on Sunday.‘Ranga Puja’, a tribute to the stage, opened the programme with young Bharatnatyam dancers from Malyali and non-Malyali backgrounds reflecting the unity of traditions. “We shared more than dance steps; our months of practice became a meeting of cultures,” said participant Arohi Maurya, a student of CMS.Moving forward, a folk skit captured Onam’s celebrations at home before bringing Mahabali, the righteous king beloved for his devotion to his people, onto the stage amid ‘Thalappoli’, a ceremonial procession of flower-adorned plates known as ‘thalam.’The scene was followed by the resounding beats of ‘Chendamelam,’ the traditional Kerela percussion ensemble, that filled the temple as devotees watched Mahabali’s grand entry, breaking into applause.The festitvities continued with women in elegant Kasavu sarees performing Thiruvathirakali, a Kerela group dance in graceful formations. Adding another cross-cultural touch, a group of girls performed to ‘Deva Shree Ganesha’, evoking a spirit of shared belonging.“Onam reminds us that joy has no boundaries; it belongs to every heart,” said secretary Omanakkuttan NK, as participants as well as those who take care of the temple were felicitated.
