Surrounded by the vibrant hues of tradition and culture, Bangalore Warrier Samajam celebrated Onam in grandeur with the annual event “Varnam” on September 10th at the V.K. Sports venue.
The day began with the morning sun casting a golden glow on the venue as enthusiastic youngsters came together to arrange the Pookalam - which symbolises the essence of Onam. Members' creativity took the centre stage as they competed in the Malakettal competition while showcasing their floral artistry. After the colourful morning activities, a delicious breakfast was served that filled the air with the aroma of freshly prepared delicacies, setting the tone for a day of celebration ahead.
A Welcoming Pookalam
Malakettal Preparations
The event officially kicked off with a recognition of our rich culture. A traditional Melam with its resonating rhythms echoed the beats of our heritage. Mahabali was grandly welcomed to Varnam. Following this, was the symbolic Lamp Lighting ceremony that spread divine energy. President of Bangalore Warrier Samajam, Muralidharan C V, welcomed the gathering.
Welcoming Mahabali to Varnam
As the echoes of the Melam faded away, the Ashtapadi- a mesmerising Sanskrit hymn depicting the love and beauty of Lord Krishna, graced the stage. The cultural programs continued with the lively and colourful Kaikottikali which celebrated the spirit of unity and togetherness. The vibrant costumes and coordinated movements added an enchanting touch to the celebration. This was followed by a devotional song that invoked a sense of spirituality.
Ashtapadi, Kaikottikali and Devotional Song
From the youngest to the oldest, all age groups came together to showcase their talents in dancing and singing. The stage came alive with performances that spanned from Bollywood to Mollywood, highlighting the diverse influences within our community. Filmy, yoga, classical, and folk dances added a colourful dimension to the celebration.
During the event, a meaningful Malayalam skit emphasised the significance of valuing our mother tongue Malayalam in contrast to English, a language that some mistakenly consider their own.
Gopakumar P T, Secretary of the Bangalore Warrier Samajam, and Harish T V, Convener of Varnam, delivered a noteworthy address to the gathering. At the heart of the Varnam event, a significant moment unfolded as the Member Directory was unveiled within the Bangalore Warrier Samajam community.
Gopakumar P T, Harish T V, and Directory Unveil
In an inspiring gesture, the senior members of the Samajam were felicitated for their wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support over the years. Their presence added a touch of nostalgia and respect to the event.
As the clock struck noon, there was a single destination that everyone was anticipating - the lunch hall. The aroma of the Onam Sadya wafted through the air, calling everyone to enjoy the traditional feast. The spread was nothing short of a masterpiece, featuring a variety of dishes that were cooked to perfection.
Onam Sadya
The grandeur of Varnam continued as Educational Awards, Special Awards, and Competition Awards were distributed. It was a moment of recognition and pride as the young talents within the Samajam were acknowledged for their achievements, both academic and extracurricular.
Behind the scenes, the success of Varnam 2023 would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the organising team. Their tireless efforts in planning and executing every detail ensured that the event ran smoothly and seamlessly. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our sponsors, whose generous support made Varnam 2023 memorable.
Varnam 2023 was not just a function; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of culture, tradition, and unity, making it a day to remember for Bangalore Warrier Samajam. As the curtains fell on this spectacular event, the members of Warrier Samajam dispersed with radiant smiles adorning their faces.
“Energy of the youth and wisdom of the elders came together!”
“At the outset, all of us had a wonderful day. The quality of the food and the way it was served needs to be specially appreciated.”
“The Varnam show was excellent in all respects. It was planned and executed very professionally. The biggest plus point was the involvement of a large number of members, their spouses and youth in the organising team.”
Glimpses of Varnam Performances
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