Onam celebrations in Dubai to have traditional flair

Indians and other expats can experience the treats Kerala has to offer under one roof.

Dubai - The biggest attraction of the celebrations this year is the Onam fair that will be hosted at the Ansar Mall, Sharjah

By Staff Reporter

Published: Tue 25 Aug 2015, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Wed 26 Aug 2015, 2:02 AM

The ninth annual Kerala Festival will bring the culture, cuisine and celebrations of the south Indian state of Kerala to the UAE.
Indians and other expats can experience the treats Kerala has to offer under one roof when Malayalees will take part and showcase the festivities that come with Onam, the harvest festival of the state.
Organised by Bench Mark Media in Dubai, the biggest attraction of the celebrations this year is the Onachantha (Onam fair) that will be hosted at the Ansar Mall, Sharjah, on August 27 and 28.
Habeeb Rahman, managing director, Benchmark Media, said: "Onchantha is a unique concept being accepted by the market for a number of years now and people have been waiting for this annual event.
"Deepa Jain from the Indian consulate will inaugurate the event on August 27 at 6pm and Reenu Mathews, Malayalam film actress, will do the lighting of lamp. Humaid Al Qatami, former UAE Minister of Education, is also expected to grace the occasion."
He said the exhibition and cultural programmes would offer very good deals on Onam-related paraphernalia. There will be 25 stalls offering these special prices and offers and will showcase special Onam cultural programmes like traditional dances, songs by professionals, mimicry, skits, game shows and contests.
Entry to the festival is free.
"There will be free medical and eye tests for people visiting the fair," said N.V.K. Mohammed, deputy general manager, Ansar Group.
The event will also see the release of 'Onam Annual', an annual magazine being published every year by Benchmark Media during Onam in association with UAE Exchange.
The grand finale of the festival will be held at Al Nasr Leisureland on August 28.
Celebrities like Joy Mathew, Mamta Mohandas, Asha Sharat, Nasriya, Anjali Menon, Reenu Mathews, Divya Pillai, Iqbal Kuttippuram, Sijoy Vargheese, and several others are expected to visit the festival.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com