Auckland Malayali Samajam celebrated Onam with traditional pomp and fervour on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Auckland’s Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace.
The celebration commenced at 530 pm with sumptuous ‘Ona Sadhya’ served on banana leaf, specially imported for the function from Kerala, for nearly 1500 members and guests of the Samajam.
National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Labour List candidate Priyanca Radhakrishnan and former Samajam President Shylaja Benjamin were among the Guests of Honour.
As per tradition, Ona Sadhya consisted of 18 vegetarian dishes and ‘Payasam’ cooked collectively in a nine-hour marathon by the members of the community.
The formal function started with the lighting of the lamp by the Samajam President Maneesh Joseph. Despite the inclement weather, the auditorium was packed with men, women and children.
Cultural delight
All the cultural items presented were a rare treat. They included Onam Skit, Thiruvathirakali, Bharatha Natyam, Mohiniyattam, Break Dance, Fusion Dance, Opana, Flash Mob, Hakka and the Unplugged.
The arrival of Mahabali, the mythical King, accompanied by Pulikali to the stage was spectacular.
“The success of the programme goes to Vishnu Sreekumar, an accomplished writer and actor, who was the cultural programme coordinator and groomer,” Mr Joseph said.
But my pick of the day was the break dance by Melvin Mathew. His breath-taking performance reminds me of the renowned film choreographer Prabhu Deva.
This teenager was vivacity personified with scintillating moves.
The highlight of the evening was indubitably singers. Ravi Muthumanickam, Hema Jesse and Anil Menon, who captured the soul and heart of the audience.
The evening was replete with melody. Ravi lifted the show to new heights with his soulful rendition of ‘Ee Puzhayum Sandhyakalum’ (Indian Rupee). Accompanying artistes Antony Yempee (Lead Guitar), Diya Antony (Rhythm Guitar) and Vishnu Sreekumar (Drums) added great value.
Earlier Mrs Benjamin released ‘Darpanam,’ the annual magazine of the Samajam.
Joseph Kuriakose, aka Jomichen is a teacher by profession with teaching experience in African countries including South Africa. As well as fine arts, he has a penchant for political and literary analysis.
(Picture by SANZ Photography)
