EDITORIAL VOL 01 ISSUE 4
Dear Reader,
The only non-religious festival celebrated in Kerala, Onam is a sentiment for Malayalis. Extending a grand welcome to the legendary King of Mahabali, swings are hung from trees in the backyards of the houses, ornate flower carpets laid, women transform to master chefs cooking up a culinary storm in the kitchen and men indulge themselves in the thrill and exhilaration of Onam games. One could even say, the beauty of Kerala is in the magnificence of Onam celebrations.
Capturing these vibrant colours of Onam is our coverstory “Onam: Savouring the Best of Kerala.” Onam is all about enjoyment. After the rains, just as the flowers freshly bloom to happily make way for the festival of flowers, Malayalis also get ready to treat themselves with lot of fun games and exciting activities during the season. KTE brings to its readers the charm and thrill of these Onam activities through the words of Thiruvathira Muthashi, Malathy Teacher in “A pristine celebration of womanhood” and a feature on the history of renowned boat races of Kerala, “Experience Adrenalin Rush in the Backwaters.”
Since we know people of Kerala love indulging in exciting activities throughout the year, we have added a travel special feature on adventure tourism “For the Adventurer in You.” Onam overlaps with the wedding season in Kerala. Unveiling the beauty of Kerala’s heritage jewellery, which is hugely popular among the young brides of the day, we have included a fashion article “To New Beginnings with Handcrafted Magnificence.”
For the food lovers of our magazine, we are introducing from this issue a Restaurant Review page. This time, we have featured one of the oldest restaurants of Kerala which exclusively serves a ‘spicy-licious’ drool worthy chicken fry dish. Talking about food, you can’t miss reading this candid conversation with actor Kunchako Boban who talks to us about his favourite culinary expeditions and his second innings on screen. Joining him on the celebrity page is actress Lena, the Comeback Kid, who flaunts her new style statement with shaved head for KTE readers and takes us through her adventurous solo trip to Himalayas.
No celebration in Kerala is considered complete without extending a token of love to our ancestors. So, we bring to you in the Onam edition of the magazine a feature on Karikidaka Bali at Aluva Shiva temple “Of Unforgotten Love in the Serene Sands of Time.” In our Religion special page, we have also featured an article on the most beautiful churches of Kerala “Ecclesiastical Wonders of Kerala.”
Onakodi, Onapaattu, Onakkali, Onathallu…. It might sound as if Malayalis love to suffix Onam with everything joyful. Onam unveils the spectacular mélange of the culture, cuisine, faith and tradition of the land. With time, the nature of the celebrations has evolved but we are sure, the charm and character of the festival will remain untouched and continue to be unsurpassed in its magnificence and splendor.
Kerala Travel Explorer wishes its readers a very happy and prosperous Onam!
Happy Reading!
DEEPAK N NAIR
Editor
