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Malayalees in Dubai re-create Kerala magic

DUBAI - Onam celebrations organised by the Indian Association Dubai (IAD) at the Al Nasr Leisureland yesterday evoked an enthusiastic response with more than 4,000 members of the Malayalee community gathering to participate in the day-long programme.

A festival of feasting, revelry and boat races, Onam is celebrated by Malayalees from all walks of life transcending barriers of religion, caste or creed.

In UAE, with a large population of Malayalee expatriates, the occasion called for a special celebration as nostalgic expatriates got together to recreate the magic and prosperity of Kerala during the reign of mythological King Mahabali.

The Indian consul-general, Mr Yash Sinha, formally inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the ceremonial lamp in the morning and also participated in a cultural procession that was set with a caparisoned elephant, umbrellas, the Panchavadyam, Kavadi, Karagattom and Oneswaram.

In his speech to the community Mr Sinha extended his heart-felt wishes for a very prosperous year and congratulated Malayalees for being able to transcend all religious differences and come together to celebrate the occasion as a true national festival.

The newly-elected President of the IAD, K. Kumar, in his speech highlighted that this was the 12th Onam celebrations being organised by the association and that special arrangements had been made to create a special festive mood this year by bringing 600 kilos of flowers from Kerala for the pookalam or flower decoration competition.

He highlighted the importance of such celebrations saying that these would help children to understand their rich cultural traditions and keep in touch with their roots.

Among the Malayalee associations that participated in the Pookalam competition and the subsequent cultural competitions were the All Kerala Colleges Alumni Forum, Bhavana Arts Society, Dubai Arts Lovers' Association, Dubai Kairali Kala Kendram, Dubai Priyadarshini, Emirates Arts Centre, Indian Arts Society and Indian Cultural Association.

The festive mood was evident since the early hours of the morning as members of the eight Malayalee associations gathered to participate in the Pookalam competition and vie for the trophies.

In the competition that was judged by professional artistes, the first prize was bagged by Indian Cultural Association, followed by Bhavana Arts Society and Dubai Art Lovers' Association in the third position.

Apart from the competition, a main pookalam or a floral carpet was also laid out inside the Ice-rink by the IAD members.

Measuring 24ft by 12ft, the floral carpet proved to be a visual treat reminiscent of the prosperity of Kerala during the reign of King Mahabali.

A series of cultural programmes including folk dances, classical, semi-classical and cinematic dances, vallom kali and skits by members of the various Malayalee associations followed, that was watched avidly by the large audience. In the afternoon, the traditional Onasadya replete with 24 items was laid out in the traditional banana leaves for the members of the community. This year, the IAD brought in four chefs from Trivandrum for preparing the feast that consisted of parippu, sambhar, pulisseri, rasam, thoran, koottukari, avial, pachadi, kichadi, pickles, pappadum, and payasam.

The evening programme started with Panchavadyam by the local artistes followed by a musical programme by reputed Malayalee singers Madhu Balakrishnan and Jyotsna who were supported by Reemi Tomy and Rajesh along with a 12-member orchestra.