Kerala govt school, where a Bihari boy plays Maveli and Onam belongs to non-Malayali students

Onam is Kerala’s biggest cultural celebration, and schools across the state mark it with song, dance and feasts. But at the Byraikulam Government Lower Primary School in Puthiyara, Kozhikode, the festival took on a meaning of its own this year. Of the 30 students here, 27 are from outside Kerala – mostly children of migrant workers. And it was these little ones, far from their parents’ native states, who carried the Onam spirit on their shoulders.

The school’s celebration, titled ‘Rangbirangi’, was held on August 27. The rains pushed the entire programme indoors. Still, with just four teachers and a handful of support staff, the little school managed to stage a spirited Onam.

Tourism Minister Muhammed Riyas was to inaugurate the event in person, but unforeseen commitments meant he joined online instead. Kozhikode Corporation Deputy Mayor CP Musafar Ahamed attended in person as the chief guest. Both their addresses stressed that Onam belongs to everyone, regardless of geography or background. They noted it is a festival of inclusivity, rooted in the legendary king Mahabali (Maveli), remembered for his benevolence.

Bihari Maveli

One of the major highlights of the celebration was Class 4 student Avinash, son of Bihari couple Birender and Rinki, who took on the role of Maveli. Initially shy, he warmed up once dressed as the beloved king of legend. He even went on to win prizes in competitions.

Despite being the chief attention of the event, Avinash waited patiently to have the Sadya – sitting with his father, who had adjusted his work hours just to be part of the Sadya at school.

Head teacher Deepthi KP pointed out that the school has worked for years to ensure that migrant parents also feel included in Onam.

“They often feel it’s not their festival, or they hesitate because of work. Most are daily wage earners, and losing a day’s pay to attend the celebration is not easy,” she said. Yet this year, eight parents stayed through the entire event, while a few others joined for the Sadya during their lunch break at work.

Elders at the home and siblings of the kids also turned up for the celebration, filling the small school with warmth.

Pookalam, Sadya and small joys

One of the most curious sights was non-Malayali children and their parents arranging the pookalam -- the floral carpet that symbolises the vividness of Onam.

“We just told them to think of it as rangoli, but with flowers,” Deepthi explained.

The competitions that followed included sundarikk pottu thodal (pinning a bindi blindfolded on a woman's portrait), musical chair and book balancing game. Songs filled the air, though the planned open-ground dance had to be dropped because of rain.

The Sadya was arranged from a local catering service, and it won hearts. “Sambar and pappadam are my favourites,” said Neelam Tiwari, the PTA president. Her daughter Aaradhya, a Class 2 student, said she loved every item served.

Neelam, who moved to Kozhikode two years ago, admitted she didn’t warm to Kerala at first. “Honestly, I didn’t like it in the beginning. But now I just love it -- the food, the language, and most of all the people. The teachers here are so caring, we feel truly respected,” she said.

While Neelam is still learning Malayalam, her children speak it fluently. “This Onam, we enjoyed thoroughly. It was fun preparing the pookalam together,” she added with a smile.

The celebrations at Byraikulam school reminds that the real spirit of Onam is not about where you come from, but about coming together. When children from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal dress as Maveli, sing Onam songs and lay the pookalam, it shows us that festivals live not in boundaries, but in the joy of sharing.