Malayalee Association members eat payasam in plastic banana leaves while celebrating Onam. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, Sept. 10: It was a blend of the traditional with the contemporary as over 700 members of the Malayalee community gathered at the Kairali School to celebrate Onam.

Organised by the Malayalee Association of Ranchi, one could see people dressed in jeans as well as in the traditional mundus and although the popular dessert payasam found a place among the 18 traditional preparations, plastic plates replaced the original banana leaves.

President of the Malayalee Association, George Kuriyan said: “In Kerala during this occasion around 82 items are prepared which is eaten on fresh banana leaves. But here we could arrange only 18,” Kuriyan added.

“Many of us came from Kerala in the 60s, but today there is a huge number who have been born and brought up here. These occasions help them stay in touch with our traditions,” he added.

“Onam heralds the beginning of the harvest season. It is popular belief that King Mahabali visits his people during this season,” Kuriyan said.

No different were the views of V.K. Vasu, senior vice -president of the association. “The only way we can help the younger generation to stay in touch with their traditions is through such a platform where we also organise cultural programmes,” Vasu said.

Even Joshua M.J. who works in a company felt a generation gap and a change of priority among the career-oriented youth.

While Col. P.J. Thomas, a member of the community was dressed in chinos as it was a “social gathering”, C.J Jacob, principal of the Army School was in the traditional mundu just to keep the tradition alive.

Members of the community were seen enjoying the two-day festival over the weekend as it ensured maximum participation.