Kollam, September 15, 2013: Onam celebrations at Neeravil on the outskirts of Kollam city, organised by the Navodayam Library and Kalasamithy, began on Saturday with a competition for women on traditional vocations such as beating coconuts husks for fibre and thatching coconut palm fronds.

The competitors were allotted 7 minutes to extract fibre from 12 husks. Usha Rameshan from Neeravil won the first prize by completing the task in 6 minutes. Vijayamma, who took 6.35 minutes came second, followed by Bhavana who did it in 6.49 minutes. There was also a contest in spinning coir.

Competitors for the thatching event had to complete one leaf of green frond in the minimum time.

Lakshmikutty who did it in 3 minutes won the first prize. There were twelve contestants.

P.K. Gurudasan, MLA, inaugurated the competition at the Kuppana Coir Cooperative Society grounds. S. Nazar, secretary of the library, said the valedictory of the celebrations will be held on September 17.

A public meeting in this connection will be inaugurated by film director Kamal.

Source: The Hindu, September 15, 2013