The Kerala Cultural Forum (KCF) of Christchurch hosted Easter and Vishu celebration on April 15, 2023, at Riccarton High School. The gathering was attended by more than 300 people from the Malayali and the wider community.
Event emcees were Sabhareesh and Sreelaksmi, while Pothichor was chef de partie. The gala kicked off with a welcome speech from the President of Kerala Cultural Forum, Binu Thomas, who welcomed all the guests.
National Party’s Christchurch Central candidate Dale Stephens and its Wigram candidate Tracey Summerfield were among the dignitaries present at the event. Vishu, which is the traditional New Year in the southern Indian state of Kerala and is celebrated with great fervour, is believed to signal the arrival of good luck and fortune.
An essential part of the celebration was ‘Vishu kaineetam’, a gift given to children in the form of coins, preferably gold. The ritual symbolises blessings from the elders and sharing one’s wealth with loved ones.
This is an important event on the festival calendar in Christchurch, where members from the Christian, Hindu and Malayali communities get together to celebrate Easter, which marks the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and Vishu that marks the start of a new year.
Guests were treated to 14 cultural performances during the event by members of different age groups. Joint Secretary Anitha Chacko gave the vote of thanks. Another attraction was Sadhya that was served for dinner.
KCF’s committee, which has Binu Thomas, Syam Dev, Twinkle Antoney, Unni Krishnan, Anitha Chacko, Anoop Bhasi, Sree Dev and Tity Thomas, extended its gratitude to all the attendees, sponsors and participants who performed on the stage.
The community organisation was founded in 2011 to bring together Indians of Kerala origin living in Christchurch. It strives to preserve Malayali traditions and to offer younger members an opportunity to experience and learn from the rich cultural heritage.
The event was supported by Generation Homes, Team Yogesh Bhargava, Kannangara Thomson, Solidity Financial Services, 5 River Spice Bazaar, True Value Cars, Impact Outdoors and Eco Travels.
The next big event that KCF will host will be Onam celebrations on Sunday, August 27.