Ramesh Keetezhathu
Auckland, April 20, 2024
A theatrical homage to a former King of Travancore, a cultural programme to explore and expose inherent talents, a religious segment to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu and an exquisite taste of the Kerala gourmet are some of the highlights of the Vishu Celebrations coming up in Auckland next weekend.
Organised by the Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand (OHM NZ), the event will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 5 pm at Mahatma Gandhi Centre located at 145 New North Road in Eden Terrace.
Tickets can be accessed as follows: Member Tickets and Guest Tickets.
While Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, was celebrated on April 14, 2024, the festivities of the OHM NZ are being held almost two weeks later to suit the convenience of members and guests. People from various communities including Indian, Fiji Indian, Bangladeshi, Cambodian, Laotian, Sinhalese and Thai are expected to attend the Festival.
About Vishu
Vishu, the Malayali New Year, holds immense significance in Kerala and among Malayalis all over the world. It is noted for its solemnity, characterised by family time, preparing colourful auspicious items and viewing these as Vishukkani.
Malayalees seek to view the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum (Kani Konna), money or silver items, cloth (pattu), mirror, rice and other harvest products. The day includes fireworks with the participation of children, people adorning new clothes (Puthu Kodi) and Sadhya, comprising a mix of salty, sweet, sour and bitter items.
The VishukKani forms the first and most important feature of the Festival.
(Photo Supplied)
Using Nature’s bounty such as yellow ‘Kanikonna’ flowers that signify prosperity and a platter of freshly offered fruits, the Vishukkani is a simple yet joyous visual representation of Lord Krishna, an Avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Vishukkani is adapted in countries such as New Zealand according to available supplies.
Typically, the lady of the house takes each family member early in the morning to gaze at the Vishukkani. Malayalis in Kerala visit Temples in Sabarimala, Guruvayur and Kulathupuzha.
OHM NZ President Sasi Nambissan said that although typically a Hindu observance, people of other faiths also join in the festivities to celebrate Vishu.
“While it is predominantly popular in Kerala, Vishu is also celebrated in the Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka and Mahe District of Pondicherry. Tamilians with a strong influence of Malayalam (such as those from Palghat) mark Vishu in their homes,” he said.
Vishnu in Auckland
The Vishu celebrations of the Auckland Malayali Hindu Samajan will showcase the essence of Malayali and Indian culture. From classical dance performances to soul-stirring music recitals, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Mr Nambissan said that Vishu also marks the first day of Medam, the ninth month in the Solar Calendar followed in Kerala. It therefore always occurs in the middle of April (14th or 15th) in the Gregorian Calendar.
“The Diaspora celebrates the Festival over a previous or succeeding weekend to enable the connected communities to comply with the religious requirement and experience the cuisine,” he said.
Tribute to Marthanda Varma
Among the highlights of the Vishu Celebrations of OHM NZ will be ‘Marthanda Varma,’ a tribute to a former King of Travancore. This theatrical masterpiece, written by Vishnu Sreekumar, has been directed by Sambhu Sreekumar and produced by Mr Nambissan.
This theatrical production promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions. Combining elements of horror, thriller, comedy and drama, ‘Marthanda Varma’ will be a thrilling journey with captivating performances, stunning visuals and a touch of song and dance.
Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma was the founding Monarch of the Southern Indian Kingdom of Travancore (earlier known as Venadu) from 1729 to 1758. He defeated the Dutch East India Company forces at the Battle of Calachel in 1741. He also ended the powerful Ettuveetil Pillamars and the Ettara Yagam Council and became the King.
Some factions of the Kingdom were opposed to Varma’s ascension to the throne. He then adopted a European mode of discipline for his army and expanded his Kingdom northward (which later became the State of Travancore and now Kerala). He built a sizeable standing army of 50,000 men as a part of designing an elaborate and well-organised war machine, with the role of the Travancore army and fortified the Northern boundary of his Kingdom. His alliance in 1757 with the ruler of Kochi (Cochin) against the Northern Kingdom of Calicut, enabled the Kingdom of Kochi to survive.
Travancore under Varma consolidated its power by the use of Indian Ocean trade. He adopted the policy of offering assistance to Syrian Christian traders as a means of limiting European involvement in ocean trade. The principal merchandise was black pepper, but other goods also came to be defined as royal monopoly items requiring a license for trade.
The Festival will be a gastronomic delight. ‘Sandhya,’ as it is known in Kerala, will be a traditional vegetarian feast featuring more than 21 delectable dishes.
(Photo Supplied)
About OHM NZ
The Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand (OHM NZ) is dedicated to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of the Malayali community in New Zealand.
It serves as a vibrant platform for Malayali Hindus to come together, celebrate festivals, and foster a sense of community and belonging.
Under the auspices of OHM NZ, the Vishu Festival in Auckland has become a hallmark event, bringing together members of the Malayali community and enthusiasts of Indian culture from all walks of life. Through its initiatives and events, OHM NZ strives to strengthen cultural ties, promote mutual understanding, and contribute to the multicultural fabric of New Zealand.
For more information and updates, please visit www.ohmnz.org.nz or contact Sasi Nambissan (President) 021-797573; Devi Shobhana (Secretary) 022-0697050; Jeevan Nair (Member, Executive Committee) 022-5394021.
Tickets to the Vishu Festival can be obtained by following these links:
Member Tickets: https://ohmnz.org.nz/events/vishu-2024-ohmnz-member-tickets
Guest Tickets: https://ohmnz.org.nz/events/vishu-2024-guest-tickets
Ramesh Keetezhathu is a member of the Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand. The above article has the additional contribution of our Staff Reporter.
