The Onam celebration by Auckland Malayali Samajam (AMS) can be best described as a colourful cultural extravaganza. The ticketed event, which was sold out, took place on Saturday (September 10) at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre.
Many dignitaries, including Immigration Minister Michael Wood, Members of Parliament Dr Deborah Russell, Melissa Lee, Brooke van Velden and Hon Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon and Narendra Bhana, President NZICA, among others, graced the occasion.
The event, which comprised dance, music, drama and delicious food, was an affair to remember.
Talking about his experience at the celebrations, Minster Michael Wood said, “It was fantastic to be part of the Onam Celebrations hosted by the Auckland Malayali Samajam Incorporated after a gap of two years. Onam Ashamsakal to all who are celebrating Onam this year.
Kerala’s official festival, Onam, is a traditional annual harvest and cultural festival celebrated by the Malayali community worldwide. It’s a time when families get together and enjoy food and each other’s company.
This year, the event saw the presence of more than 1000 attendees. There were over 30 cultural programmes, with some special items of interest such as the Mega Thiruvathira (a joyous ceremonial dance performed by women in Kerala) by AMS members, the launch of Vallam (a traditional boat in Kerala) by Rajkumar Pushpagadan, Chenda Melam (The Chenda Melams of Kerala is a well-disciplined orchestra of five instruments viz. Chenda-Edamthana & Valanthala, Kombu, Kuzhal and Elathalam) by Joby Cyriac and team.
The AMS Executive Committee, led by President Soby Bernard Thomas and Secretary Sindhu Punnoose, can be proud of having organised a colourful programme comprising dances, music, drama and cultural performances. Secretary Sindhu is glad to listen to chief guests' opinions that this event has set a standard for community events about detailed planning and execution with excellent time management.
Soby Bernard Thomas said the event was an excellent opportunity for New Zealanders to experience the Onam feast and festivities, but the tickets have all been sold out. “The response has just been much better than expected, and we will look at how we can include more people next year,” he said.
"We wanted it to be an opportunity to share the extravagance of Onam and our ancient Kerala culture, food and traditions," Sindhu Punnoose said.
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