SunCorp

We at SunCorp wish joy and prosperity to all our Malayali bretheren world wide.

The Harvest Festival, is the most popular festival of Kerala. A festival that celebrates a happy blend of myth and reality, Onam is part of the cultural repertoire of every Malayalee. Year after year, for centuries, the people of Kerala, irrespective of caste, creed or colour, join together to celebrate Onam. The ten-day Onam festival falls in August-September, coinciding with the beginning of the harvest season. According to local belief, in a war that took place between the gods and the demons, the demons won. 

Deeply hurt by the defeat of the gods, Aditi, their mother prayed to Lord Vishnu to destroy Mahabali, the Demon King. Consequently, Lord Vishnu, in the guise of a Brahmin boy, Vamanan, went to Mahabali and asked him to grant him three steps of land. The wish was granted and Vamanan covered the whole land with his two steps and then he came back to the King asking him where can he place the third step. The King to honour his word, offered his head as the third step. Vamanan pushed Mahabali deep down into the earth. Pleased by his honesty and generosity, the lord in turn granted him a wish that he could visit his kingdom and people on a particular day once a year. Preparation of a floral carpet called "Athappookkalam" in front of houses, from the first day of 'Atham' to the tenth day of 'Thiruvonam' is part of the festivities, which is a symbolic gesture to welcome King Mahabali. The state government conducts Tourism Week celebrations in connection with Onam, showcasing the gems of Kerala's culture. Onam resonates with Carnivals, Boat Races, Dance, Music and Feast. A sumptious meal on plantain leaf and the traditional sweet dish of Kerala 'Payasam' etc are served in every house. We at SunCorp wish all Malayalees a very Happy Onam

The health minister in Kerala, Smt.P.K.Sreemathy has said that plastic bags will be banned in all government hospitals in the State of Kerala from September 1.

This is a good begining to reduce the usage of plastic bags in hospitals as the number plastic bags being used in their pharmacy alone is increasing by leaps and bounds, when they start using re-usable bags it will to a certain extent send a message across to the general public that the government is concerned on this issue.

The minister also said that the quantum of the fine to be charged from those violating the ban will be decided soon. But how soon will this soon be is to be seen, we hope this ban is enforced strictly and does not become just another speech by a minister to score brownie points with the public.