Auckland Malayali Samajam Hosts Children's Arts Contest

The Auckland Malayali Samajam hosted its annual children's arts competition, Kalolsavam 2024, at the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. The event, held across three stages, showcased the vibrant talents of young participants. It featured a mix of traditional classical dances and modern cinematic routines, captivating the audience.

The festivities kicked off at 8 am on Saturday, 20th July, with an inaugural address by AMS President Robin K Babu. The competition saw an impressive turnout, with 140 children participating in various cultural performances. "This was the best Kalolsavam in the past 25 years," said Babu. "It was heartening to see so many parents bringing their children, making every performance highly competitive. The community spirit was high, and our team's accommodating nature ensured everyone was happy. We're aiming for even bigger and better events in the future."

Photo: Supplied

The judges had a tough time selecting the winners due to the exceptional talent on display. Dr. Sam Mathai JP, a member of the judging panel, remarked, "We struggled to decide the winners as the quality of each performance was remarkable."

The success of the event was echoed by the Vice President of Auckland Malayali Samajam, Libi Jacob Oommen, who said, "We've received numerous appreciative calls and messages from our community members. All credit goes to our committee members and volunteers."

Photo: Supplied

Adding to the event's appeal was a food stall offering delicious traditional Kerala cuisine at affordable prices, catering to both participants and attendees. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Auckland Malayali Samajam, the largest Malayali association in Oceania, making Kalolsavam 2024 a particularly special celebration.