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Maveli: The Iconic Onam Celebrations in the Gulf

Dammam∙ Maveli, who leaves Kerala to meet his subjects in the Gulf, has a special feature; Not only Malayalam, but also Hindi and even Arabic if necessary. Not only that, the expatriate maveli sees quite a bit more of Kudavayar, a sign of exile life. For Onam, Maveli is the star of Onam celebrations in the diaspora as well as in the country. In the malls and hyper-supermarkets frequented by Malayalees in the Gulf, ‘Mavelimar’ can be seen wishing well. Among those taking photos and videos from Maveli, there are not only Malayalees but also curious natives and other nationalities.

Those who dress up as Mahabali in different regions of Saudi Arabia enjoy dressing up as Mahabali on Onam with great pride. Many of them are waiting for Onam every year. Since Thiruvonam 29 is a working day this time, the Onam celebrations of non-resident organizations have already started from the eve of the first weekend of Atham’s birth. Festivals and celebrations of the diaspora world take place on weekends. The weekend celebration lasts for a month and continues till October.

While saying Maveli for Onam, some faces have already achieved immortality in Saudi, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Many of these children are born and raised here without knowing or seeing any Onam celebrations in the country. For many years, those who regularly play the role of Mahabali on Onam have entered the minds of Pillai as Maveli.

The face of Maveli in Jeddah, Ziad Valley

∙ Maveli in Nadu advertisement is the face of Maveli in Jeddah

Saying that the face of Maveli in Jeddah is like that of Maveli in the Ona commercial of Kerala’s leading electronics showroom, Siyad would have pulled the trigger. Ziad Abdullah, a theater actor, model, film actor, art, cultural, political activist and entrepreneur from Jeddah, has been the maverick of Jeddah expatriates for years. Siad, who has been an expatriate for 20 years, recently met Manoj K. He played great roles in the films Vishudda Pustha and Doore with Jayan. As various characters in 28 plays. Acted in commercials, short films, documentaries and video album songs. It was during this time that Maveli was featured in the Ona advertisement of a local electronics group.

The face of Maveli in Jeddah, Ziad Valley

Most of the expatriate organizations like Ziad Abdullah to come to Jeddah as Patuthod Maveli. As soon as Maveli starts speaking in a booming solemn voice, the audience is taken by the hand. Siyad Maveli dressed as a coincidence. A man who was a regular maveli many years ago lost his job and returned very quickly, so he dressed up in order not to stop the program. He had to appear as Maveli in many events that year. Siad says that the continued acceptance as an actor is what motivates him to play Maveli for Onam. He became more familiar to the Malayali community in Jeddah when he played the role of Maveli. Maveli has participated in events held at the Indian Embassy and on stage in Jeddah with many stars including movie star Nadirsha. He has been honored with honors and recognitions from many diaspora organizations. His wife and two children are with him by supporting his artistic activities. Siad’s desire is to act in more films and become a good actor, who is waiting for a film opportunity.

Shibin Koshi Atua, the face of the maverick in Dammam

∙ Gajakesari who stares at someone

Maveli, whose horned mustache and kattapurika reach a height of six feet, is the pride of the Onam celebrations all over Dammam. Among those waiting for the arrival of Maveli during Onam in Eastern Province are not only children but also elders and natives. Shibin Koshi Atua, a native of Alappuzha, Edapon Atua, and a business entrepreneur from Dammam, has won the hearts of Atua fans by playing the role of Mahabali for more than ten years. As an actor, he has won many accolades from expatriate organizations for best actor for his role in several dramas.

He has also released various video albums along with short film direction. The song that tells the story of Onapookulam, written and directed by Shibin, who is known for writing stories, poetry and singing, is also being released on social media and YouTube for this year’s Onam. Shibin is an active presence in the activities of various artistic, social and cultural organizations along with his wife and children.

He started donning the role of Mahabali from 2012, when the king was noticed by the appearance in some of the historical dramas presented on the stage. Monsieur Mathew Erumeli, who has taken up crafting as a hobby, made Maveli’s keereet, costumes and thatched umbrella. Shibin also does the makeup for Maveli herself. While many others fit artificial mustaches with the help of make-up, Shibin prepared Kalekootti and grew a horn mustache and hair to become Emperor Mahabali.

Kottayam Naseer, who was on the stage after seeing Shib, who sang the song of Mahabali with a horn mustache once, jokingly said that it was the first time that he had heard the man with a horn mustache sing Mahabali. Shibin says that when he comes in the role of Mahabali, children and old people come running and look at him with curiosity.

Maverick’s face in Riyadh, Jose Anthony on the floor

∙ For more than 20 years, Josetan has been Riyadh’s own Maveli

For more than twenty consecutive years, the record of being synonymous with Mahabali in Riyadh is held by only one person – Jose Antony, a Malayalee from Bangalore who works in the biomedical field. Jose is a familiar face who is an active presence in the cultural and social scene of Tharail. He has already appeared as a perfect Mahabali in countless small and big events in appearance and sound. 20 years ago, I never thought that when I donned the role of Maveli, I would be taking over as a substitute for the first time. It has been more than 32 years since he started his expatriate life in Riyadh with his family, who works in the health sector.

Maveli first happened in a very private Onam celebration program organized by the Malayali community during the Onam season of 2003 in Saudi Arabia, where there were many limitations and restrictions. Inspired by the reception he received at the first event, he brought the royal crown, costumes, jewels, footwear, signet rings, and Uttariya from the country on his own. Children of many generations in Riyadh, who do not know what Maveli is, have never heard of Maveli stories, and thought that it was only a rich feast served on Onam leaves, continue to be introduced to the form of Maveli for twenty years. Jose says that making children happy is the most fulfilling experience that drives him to become Maveli.

‘ Dressing as Maveli every time is very pious. When I worked at Musammia for some time, it was a rare experience that I performed the naming ceremony for children while dressed as Maveli. He also remembers the children coming to take blessings from him when he came in Maveli costume’ – says Jose

She played the role of Maveli in a play performed in Kozhikode. Jose has acted in a comedy web series and music album set in Riyadh during the Covid era. Several organizations have honored Jose with awards and honours. His wife Valli Jose, who is a social and cultural worker in Riyadh and works in the health sector, has been with him for all his support, right from his first Maveli role to dressing him up. The only son is studying in Canada.

Shibu called George Cherian, who comes to Alkobar and Dammam as a maverick

∙ When the lion is born, preparations for Maveli will begin

George Cherian, a native of Chengannur Koipram, who comes to Alkobar and Dammam as a maveli, says Shibu, who comes as a maveli in Alkobar and Dammam, says that after the birth of the lion, Maveliawan will be prepared. Shibu, a warehouse manager in Dammam, who has been a maveli for 15 years, says that despite his busy schedule, he participates in the maximum number of events.

On Pravasa Ona celebration days, Mahabali has to run to most of the second and third events. If the traffic on the way is tricky, the arrival of Mahabali will also be delayed. Because of that, the organizers rush to take them from one place to another. It is only when the main maveli of the place is not available that the substitute actors get a chance. So, once you look cool in Maveli costume, then you will get booked for all the programs.

Those who play the role of Mahabali say that these days give them a chance to go back to their childhood and the joys of the country amidst the rush of work. No matter how many famous and eminent guests are invited to the events, Mahabali gets a royal welcome. The joy of Mahabali costume is that everyone who comes to the events wants to take photos and videos with them and suddenly become a star.

English Summary: Pravasi Onam Celebrations and Regular Mahabali’s – Ziyad, Shibin Koshy, Jose Antony and George Cheriyan

2023-08-25 15:43:29
#Maveli #Nadu #advertisement #face #Maveli #Jeddah #Savarta #Booking #movie #absolute #reality

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