Maveli brings Onam cheer aboard Guruvayur-Ernakulam passenger

Kochi: Passengers on the Guruvayur-Ernakulam passenger train experienced an unforgettable morning the other day as regular commuters turned their journey into a vibrant, moving cultural spectacle. A group of commuters hosted Onam celebrations aboard the train, surprising travellers as Maveli walked through the aisles and pulikali performers danced along the moving carriages.Departing Guruvayur at 6.50am, the train was decorated with floral carpets, traditional festoons and colourful streamers. Hundreds of daily commuters, including children, women and the elderly, joined the festivities.“One of our co-passengers dressed up as Maveli. A grand procession welcoming Maveli was held just before the train departed,” said Guruvayur Passenger Friends Association secretary Rajesh Palakote.The carriages quickly erupted into a hub of traditional arts, featuring pulikali, thiruvathira, live music, dance renditions and chendamelam.“This is the third year we are hosting the Onam celebration in the train. Beyond the cultural fanfare, the event focused on core themes of communal harmony, human kindness and anti-addiction awareness. Passengers across various stations along the route joined the event, where sweets and Onam gifts were distributed to all on board,” said Vinod Kumar of Athani, who was dressed as Maveli. He daily travels to Chembumukku in Ernakulam, where he runs a textile shop.“We ordered payasam from a catering unit. Many commuters brought items like banana chips and sharkara varatti,” said association president Jofi Jose.Commuters thanked the railways for announcing a new passenger train in the Guruvayur-Thrissur sector as an Onam gift. “We are also asking the authorities for timely operation of the service and deployment of additional coaches to cater to the heavy rush,” Rajesh added.