The Auckland Malayali Samajam will celebrate Onam at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at 145 New North Road, Eden Terrace in Central Auckland on August 19.
Samajam President Karthikalayam Parameswaran Nair Shibu (known by his last name) said that the programme will commence at 530 pm with ‘Onasadya,’ comprising 16 dishes.
“Former President Prabhakaran Chullian will inaugurate the celebrations by lighting the lamp at 615 pm The programme will comprise traditional items including Thiruvathirakali, Ammankudam, Bharata Natyam and Mohiniattam as well as modern items such as cinematic dances, drama and a fashion show.
“Onam is also an occasion to honour our Malayalam teachers, award of prizes and certificates to the winners of Kalotsavam 2011 and release ‘Darpanam,’ our annual magazine. This year, we will also distribute the Membership Card, the first of its type for the Samajam,” he said.
The first ticket for ‘Hasyamala,’ scheduled to be held at the Dorothy Wintsone Centre of the Auckland Girls Grammar School on November 5 will be sold at the Onam Festival, he said.
Mr Shibu urged members to update their membership status by remitting the annual fee of $75 (Family) or $30 (Individual).
“Guests would be charged $20 per person, while students will be entitled for concession ($20) on production of appropriate identity.
For further information call Shibu on (09) 6246781 or 021-1574785 or Cijimon on (09) 5795212 or 021-873024.