Auckland Malayali Samajam hosted the Onam celebrations in the parliament on Thursday, August 3, with representatives from Malayali community organisations from all over New Zealand attending the historic event.
It was the first time in the history of the world that Onam has been celebrated in any parliament outside India.
To mark this historic event, a commemorative stamp was released at the celebrations. The stamp was designed by an executive member of the Auckland Malayali Samajam (AMS) Shine Balakrishnan. The stamp was unveiled by Minister for Ethnic Communities Judith Collins, National List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi, High Commission of India Second Secretary & HOC Sandeep Sood and other ambassadors along with President of AMS Benny Jacob, and the executive community members.
More than 100 selected members of the Malayali community organisations from all over New Zealand attended the event besides members of parliament.
The event commenced with a presentation on the history and significance of Onam celebrations for the community followed by cultural performances by different organisations.
AMS performers made floral rangoli called Athappookkalam, a performance called Maveli that indicated the role of Maveli or King during Onam celebrations and Mohiniyattam, a traditional Kerala dance.
Another traditional Kerala dance by Wellington Malayali Association called Thiruvathirakali and a traditional drum show called Chendamelam by Palmerston North Malayali Association were also performed.
“The message of this celebration is that Onam unites all those speakers of Malayalam language and everyone is made proud of their culture and festival,” Mr Jacob told The Indian Weekender.
This year the community Onam celebrations, Ponnonam-2017 will be held on Saturday, September 2, at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace.
Auckland Malayali Samajam was established with the aim of bringing together all the Malayalis of Auckland to foster contacts, friendship and understanding to the extent possible for the well being of the Malayali community as well as that of the New Zealand society.
“We celebrate social and religious festivals traditionally celebrated in our home land to keep alive our strong bond with Kerala. We link people, culture and values in this Rainbow Nation of New Zealand, where a well knit multi-ethnic community live harmoniously,” Mr Jacob added.