Queen’s death: National mourning begins: Keralites in UK face dilemma with Onam celebrations

LONDON Sept 9: The death of Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, marks a key moment in the history of the UK and the rest of the world. The series of events following the death of the Queen is code-named “Operation London Bridge”.

A period of national mourning has begun and is set to last until the funeral, which is expected to take place 10 days after the Queen’s death.

The date of the funeral has yet to be decided. The plans made provision for 10 days of mourning before the service, but the fact that the Queen died at Balmoral could mean that period is extended.

Major sporting events, including football and cricket matches, could now to be postponed as a mark of respect.

Flags will fly at half-mast at Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and buildings across the country, while books of condolences will be placed in town halls so people can pay their own tributes to the Queen.

When Prince Philip died, the Queen requested that the Royal Family observe two weeks of official mourning. They did carry out engagements in the days after the funeral, but only those deemed appropriate.

Given the Queen’s stature and how intrinsically she was woven into the fabric of modern Britain, there is likely to be even greater public mourning for her death.

The protocols that government bodies will follow will emanate from the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport (though they may also originate from the palace).

Social functions will be canceled, and the Union Flag will be flown at half-mast until after the funeral, just like in the UK. Officials will enter a period of mourning and dress appropriately. Condolence books will be prepared for visitors to leave messages.

But the ambassador also stressed that there is a lot of uncertainty about what will actually happen, as it has been so long since the death of a British monarch.

Keralites in UK were preparing for the month Onam festival with halls being booked during weekends for the tradtional Ona sadhya and cultural festivities which included ganamela. It is to be noted that during the time of grief whether it would be wise for such celebrations to go ahead before the funeral.

The news was unexpected and therefore there will be a dilemma within the community on whether they need to continue with the celebrations or make it a muted one. Howeever, it is to be seen how the establishments which has rented out the halls would react to the news of the Queen’s death. Even if the celebrations go ahead and if the event is before the funeral then it has to be muted as it is unexpected on how the public will react as the Queen’s stature, as mentioned above, is intrinsically woven into the fabric of modern Britain.

The first news of an Onam celebration being cancelled was made on the same day of the Queen’s demise. The Onam celebrations and Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi (Chathayaghosham), which was to be held on Saturday 10th September 2022 has been cancelled by the organisers. In a note to this website SNDP Cambridge said: “As mark of respect to the demise of Queen;s death the Onam and Guru Jayanthi celebrations which was to be held on 10th September in Cambridge has been postponed. The new date will be published later”.

Please check with the organisers for an update on respective Onam celebrations which you are looking to attend.

If you are an organisation looking to update the public on your Onam celebrations please email editor@ukmalayalee.com