The spirit of Kerala's vibrant culture and traditions came alive at the recent Onam celebrations in Auckland.
Hosted by the Auckland Malayali Samajam (AMS), a community organisation representing the Kiwi-Indian Malayali community, the event at Mahatma Gandhi Centre brought together more than 1,300 attendees from the Kiwi-Indian community and beyond.
From the vibrant ambience to the breathtaking floral arrangements, Auckland Malayali Samajam's Onam celebration authentically captured the essence of the occasion.
The event garnered attention not only from community members but also from esteemed dignitaries. Statistics Minister Deborah Russell, Parliamentarian MeIissa Lee, Micheal Wood, Mark Mitchell, Simeon Brown, and Honorary Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion with their presence.
The main inspiration behind this year's event was to commemorate the harvest season and create a platform that fosters unity and togetherness within the community.
According to Blessan M Jose, President of AMS, the celebration was aimed at "celebrating and upholding the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and bringing together the community in a spirit of unity and festivity".
With a lineup of about 30 diverse cultural programmes and traditional highlights, the event on August 19 truly encapsulated the essence of the harvest festival.
From the graceful Thiruvathira, a joyous ritualistic dance performed by women in Kerala, to the pulsating rhythms of Chenda Melam, a percussion instrument widely played across Kerala, by Vadyakala Team, the event showcased the diversity and depth of the southern Indian state’s cultural offerings.
The vibrant Pulikali, a unique recreational folk-art form where artists paint themselves as tigers or leopards and dance, and Maveli Procession further enriched the atmosphere, showcasing Onam's colourful and lively spirit.
Undoubtedly, the crown jewel of the celebration was the meticulously prepared Onam Sadya, a traditional feast served on banana leaves. It was crafted with genuine care and enthusiasm, resulting in flavours that transported attendees to the heart of Kerala.
"The Auckland Malayali Samajam's Onam celebration was a vibrant showcase of our culture and heritage," said Sunil Kaushal, a prominent figure in the Kiwi-Indian community and President of Waitakere Indian Association. He commended the dedication of President Blessan M Jose and his team for orchestrating the celebration, urging the community to continue cherishing their traditions.
Prominent community figures, including former parliamentarian Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Shefali Mehta, praised the event for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural performances.
Dairy and Business Owners Group Chairperson Sunny Kaushal congratulated the organisers for a beautiful festival celebration, allowing attendees to experience the rich Malayali culture and cuisine.
The organisers, too, felt overwhelmed by the response. Talking to The Indian Weekender, Blessan said, "The event allows them to reconnect with their roots, showcase their traditions, and introduce their culture to the broader Kiwi society. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange, integration, and the preservation of heritage within the Kiwi-Indian community.”
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