Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, September 7, 2023
Kerala and people from the region across the World planned a celebration of their most auspicious festival. The Onam Festival 2023 commenced on August 20 and concluded on August 31, 2023.
The day marks the return of legendary King Mahabali to home, and the festival pays tribute to King Mahabali on his homecoming, with many stories and myths prevalent about the King’s return. Each day of the festival holds its importance and there are varied celebrations on each day.
The other reason for celebrating Onam is because it is the time of the year when a good harvest has been gathered all over Kerala, resulting in plenitude and happiness.
During the festival, people buy new clothes, decorate their houses with numerous flower arrangements and decorate their altar.
The Deity of Lord Vamana (Thrikkakarappan) in the form of a mud pyramid is installed and worshipped for ten days with traditional Malayali paraphernalia and offerings are prepared for Him which is then honoured as a feast prasadam. This lavish feast is served on banana leaves. Known as ‘Onam Sadya,’ it comprises several dishes including Rice, Kalan, Olan, Erisseri, Koottukari and more.
But more than a religious festivity, Onam has become synonymous with celebration for the people of Kerala and is celebrated across religions and beliefs.
Celebrations in Auckland
The festival was celebrated in all its glory by the Auckland Malayali Samajam (AMS), on August 19, 2023, at Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Eden Terrace from 2.30 pm till 11 pm. The main source of inspiration behind the Onam was to celebrate and uphold the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and to bring together the community in a spirit of unity and festivity.
Blessan Jose, the President of the AMS said, “This year we joyfully received over 1300 attendees and our event featured a diverse range of 30 cultural programs. These included traditional highlights like the Thiruvathira dance, a captivating Chenda Melam performance by the Vadyakala Team and the Vibrant Pulikali and Maveli Procession. Under the guidance of our esteemed community member V G Prasad, the Onam Sadya (traditional feast served on banana leaves) was meticulously crafted with genuine care and enthusiasm. This care and dedication resonated in the delectable flavours and inviting aroma of our Sadya.”
The organisers expressed gratitude for such a positive response to the event and told Indian Newslink that the event was attended by many dignitaries and special guests including Deborah Russell, Melissa Lee, Michael Wood, Mark Mitchell, Simeon Brown and other community leaders.
Kiwi Indian community
The Onam event holds significance for the Kiwi Indian Community to celebrate and share the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among community members. It allows them to reconnect with their roots, showcases their traditions and introduces their culture to the broader Kiwi society.
The event also promotes cultural diversity and understanding by inviting people of various backgrounds to part take in the festivities, fostering cross-cultural interactions and relationships. In essence, the Onam event serves as a platform for cultural exchange, integration and the preservation of heritage within the Kiwi Indian Community.
About the organisers
Established to bring together all the Malayalis of Auckland to foster friendship and for the well-being of the Malayali community as well as that of the New Zealand society, some of the events organised by the organisation are much awaited by the members of other communities.
Through regular cultural, social, educational and sporting activities, the Auckland Malayali Samajam has provided a high level of social interaction and engagement for the community, while sharing the cultural heritage with the younger generation.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
