You can find a Keralite (Malayalee) in any part of the world. High literacy rates, better education and lack of professional and skilled jobs had prompted Keralites to look for higher wages and employment in other parts of India or even outside the country. Though there are no official figures available, it is estimated that about 315,000 Keralites (including the floating population) have settled in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
Most of the Keralites are service oriented. From IAS- IPS officers to professors, stenographers, clerks, bank employees, teachers, nurses, technicians, managers and labourers in factories, one can find Keralites in the service sector. Though Keralites are not business-oriented, still you can find some with well established businesses in Ahmedabad. Some of them are self employed with small scale industrial units, factories and workshops.
Early migrants
In the early 1950s hundreds of Keralites migrated to Ahmedabad, then known as the Manchester of India, in search of employment in nearly 90 textile mills, each employing thousands of workers. Most of the Keralites who then migrated to Gujarat were from Quilon (Kollam), Trichur and Kannoor districts of Kerala. On bifurcation of the erstwhile Bombay state and formation of the Gujarat state in 1960, many Keralites migrated to Gujarat and they could secure employment in various Government offices. In the second half of the last century, one could find Malayali nurses in almost all main Government hospitals in Gujarat. However, for the last about 30 years, they have not found entry into Government service. However, most of the private hospitals still employ nurses from Kerala. There are only few Kerala doctors in Ahmedabd now.
The development of industries in Surat, Vadodara, Jamnagar as well as the development of ports in Kandla attracted Keralites into those areas. Fishing and its export in Veraval also helped some Keralites to shift to Veraval.
No new migration now
Following the closure of the textile mills and lack of employment in government and private sector, there was a steady decline of Keralites coming to Gujarat since late 1980s. During the last 30 years there has been no migration of Keralites to Gujarat in search of employment. However, most of the second and third generation Kealites have chosen to settle down in Gujarat and they have integrated themselves with the local culture, while still maintaining the cultural identity of Kerala. The local people are very receptive of Keralities. They consider Keralites as hard working, industrious, friendly and reliable.
Different religious groups
Keralites in Ahmedabad are an assortment of various groups and sections. They mostly consist of Hindus, Christians and a small number of Muslims. Among Hindus, Nairs and Ezhavas and Thiyas form the majority. Even among Nairs, there are groups like Menons, Pillais, Kurups, Warriers and Nambiars. There are other sub-groups like Ezhuthasans, Poduval, Marar, Achary etc. Brahmins are very few in number.
Among Christians, there are various denominations like Marthomas, Jacobities, Syrians, Catholics, Pentacosts, etc. All of these groups have separate churches. All Keralites have a common association known as Ahmedabad Kerala Samajam (AKS). Without any caste or religious considerations, all Keralites participate in cultural and social functions and festivals of Malayalis organised by AKS. The Nair community has an association known as Nair Service Society (NSS). Ezhavas and Thiyas are associated with Shree Narayana organizations like Shree Narayana Cultural Mission (SNCM), Shree Narayana Philosophical Research Centre, Guru Dharma Pracharana Sabha and Sri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP).
The aims and objectives of SNCM are to propagate and spread the ideals and teachings of Sri Narayana Guru, particularly “One Caste, One Religion and one God for Mankind”. His two meetings with the Guru in 1925 had influenced Mahatma Gandhi to include the fight to end untouchability and other caste distinctions in the struggle for freedom of India from colonial rule.
Another important association for Keralites in Gujarat which links them to the global connectivity is World Malayali Council. Members of WMC are holding high positions in Government, industries and other business houses. They are actively contributing their part in Gujarat by rendering socio-community activities.
Onam celebration
Onam is Kerala's national festival which is celebrated by Malayalis during the month of Chingam, the first month in the Malayalam calendar, Kollavarsham. It usually falls in the month of August and September every year. It is a 10-day festival. This year Onam was celebrated from 22 August and concluded on 2 September.
What is Onam?
The word Onam originated from the Sanskrit word Shravanam which refers to one of the 27 Nakshatras or constellations. In South India, Thiru is used for anything associated with the Lord Vishnu and it is believed that Thiruvonam is the Nakshatra of Lord Vishnu who pressed the King Mahabali to the netherworld with his foot.
History
Onam is celebrated to honour the home-coming of a mythical-demon king Mahabali. Mahabali was a demon but was known for being generous and kind-hearted. Gods felt very insecure about the popularity of the demon king and so, they sought help from Lord Vishnu. As Mahabali worshipped Lord Vishnu, Vishnu told Gods that he would aid them but did not get involved in a battle with Mahabali. Lord Vishnu transformed into a poor dwarf Brahmin called Vamana and went to Mahabali's kingdoms, asking for three wishes. He asked Mahabali for property right over a piece of land which measured 'three paces'. Mahabali agreed to fulfill Vamana's desire.
Vamana started to grow in size and his first foot covered the Earth and second foot covered the sky. For the third foot no place was left, and then Mahabali requested Vamana to place third foot on his head, thus, burying himself into the netherworld. However, by seeing the devotion of Mahabali, Lord Vishnu was impressed and told him that he could return to earth once a year to visit his people and his kingdom during Onam. And so, every year during this period the Onam festival is celebrated.
Celebrations
People make the carpet of flowers which is known as 'Pookkalam' and lay in front of their house to welcome King Mahabali. Several traditional rituals are performed like Snake boat races, Onappottan, Kaazhchakkula, Puli Kali, Kaikottikkali, etc. by a lavish feast called 'Sadhya'. People wear new clothes, cook delicacies, and serve them on banana leaves with a cup of Payasam. At the festival, people also perform traditional dance, games, and music which are referred to as Onakalikal. The nine-course meal is known as Onasadya which comprises several dishes like rice, sambar, rasam, avail, and more. They served on Thiruvonam the main day of celebrations.
AKS dedicates Onam 2020 to frontline Covid warriors
Keralites in Ahmedabad traditionally celebrate Onam with great spirit and gaiety every year. However, this year, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ahmedabad Kerala Samajam has decided to cancel all celebrations and dedicate the Onam celebration to our frontline Covid Warriors, the health workers. After all, we are safe because of their relentless efforts, unconditional dedication and commitment in ensuring our well-being!!
As a token of their appreciation for the health workers in battling the pandemic, AKS distributed traditional Kerala delicacies in Covid hospitals located in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. These items have been specially prepared and packed for them, maintaining the highest level of safety and hygiene.
Additionally, to extend and support humanity in these times of crisis, AKS has been undertaking various initiatives like setting up of a 24x7 task force to address and guide on Covid mitigation and physical and mental well-being, distribution of food kits to the economically challenged families, and help the stranded people from Kerala to reach their native places, etc.
About AKS
Established in 1945, AKS is a socio-cultural organisation representing the Malayalee community in Ahmedabad. The main objective of AKS is to harness our tradition and culture amongst the Malayalee population living in this city and foster a strong bonding with the local populace through various cross-cultural initiatives. With an objective to nurture talent, AKS has been undertaking various activities in the fields of education, healthcare, environment, humanitarian services, arts, sports, youth development, women empowerment, etc.
(Special thanks to K M Ramachandran, C V Narayanan of Ahmedabad Kerala Samajam, C S Mohanan of SNCM and Dr E K Damdaranan of World Malayalee Council for their inputs)
