Lincoln Event Centre, Christchurch, played the perfect venue for a grand Onam celebration organised by Kerala Cultural Forum(KCF) on Sunday, 4 September. Hundreds of members of the Malayalee community attended the ceremony in traditional garb with their families.
The event also saw 'Mega Thiruvathira' conducted in Christchurch for the first time. Typically celebrated on Thiruvathira, women perform the dance style known as Thiruvathirakali to the tune of Thiruvathira Paattu, a traditional song that describes the love-struck Parvati's penance and longing for Lord Shiva's adoration as well as Shiva's might and power. It is performed with hand clapping, singing, and in a circular, pirouetting movement.
KCF has been organising the Onam celebration in Christchurch since 2011. This year, the event had minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Melissa Lee - National List MP from Auckland, Dr Duncan Webb - Labour MP for Christchurch Central as chief guests.
The event's high points included some outstanding performances by community members and a lavish spread of traditional Kerala cuisine.
Kerala's official festival, Onam is a traditional annual harvest and cultural festival celebrated by the Malayali community worldwide. The festival commemorates King Mahabali and Vamana. It's a time when families get together and enjoy food and each other's company.
In contrast to last year, this year's attendance at the event increased dramatically from 410 to over 750. The increase may have been even greater had more people not been travelling to India. Organisers had to stop selling the tickets 5 days before the event due to the catering purpose.
Dignitaries wished the community in Malayalam. Minister Radhakrishnan in her wishes said, "May this Onam you be showered with good luck, prosperity and happiness." MP Lee appreciated the unity of Christchurch's Malayali community.
While the main highlight of the day remained Mega Thiruvathira with around 40 gorgeous ladies performing in traditional dresses, there were some other remarkable performances, including one from a live band ‘Red Chillies’. The event also had Villadichampattu which is a traditional cultural dance.
Energetic anchors Manju Emil, Uttara and Godwin, kept the event going smoothly.
KCF President Binu Thomas and Secretary Syam Dev, thanked everyone for attending and expressed gratitude to the sponsors - Generation Homes, Team Yogesh Bhargava, Kannangara Thomson, 5 River Spice Bazar, Solidity Finance, True Value Cars, Impact Outdoors, Malayali Kada, Sandeep Khanna Mortgages and Eco Travels.
KCF is now busy preparing various other events, including sports tournaments and Christmas events.
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