Onam Celebration: A Grand Showcase of Kerala’s Heritage in Sydney
The World Malayalee Council (WMC) Far East Asia and Australia Region, in collaboration with Metro Malayalam, recently hosted a dazzling Onam celebration at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith. Held on 31st August, the event served as a vibrant tribute to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and was a testament to the spirit of unity and diversity.
The celebration attracted a diverse audience from various cultural backgrounds, including distinguished dignitaries such as Ms Julia Finn and Ms Charishma Kaliyanda, both Honorable Members of Parliament, along with Honorable Councillors Mr Susai Benjamin OAM and Mr Masood Choudhry. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the support it received from the community.
Key to the success of this event was the involvement of Mr Niaz Cannoth, a founding member of WMC Sydney and representative of Invest Intelligence and Invest Finance Pty Ltd, who played a crucial role as a supporter and sponsor. The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 300 Sydney ladies, whose dedication and passion greatly enhanced the celebration.
The highlight of the evening was the “Voice of Kerala” segment, skillfully curated by Dr. Smitha Balu and her team. This musical performance, presented by Team ‘Utsavayaanam,’ featured a blend of classical and folk music. A special song, penned by Prof. V Madhusoodhanan Nair and composed by Chirayankeezhu Sudheesh, added a unique charm. The performance also included traditional ‘Polivu Paattu’ and a ‘Mangalam song’ from the Carnatic tradition by K C Keshava Pillai, which captivated the audience with its elegance.
The celebration also featured an array of Kerala’s traditional art forms, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kalaripayattu, and Theyyam. Mrs. Manish Mohandas Vipin and his team brought these art forms to life, showcasing the intricate and mesmerizing aspects of Kerala’s cultural practices. The Kerala Art Forms segment included seven diverse acts, such as a contemporary display inspired by Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings and a theatrical piece called ‘Saga of White and Gold,’ which depicted Kerala’s ritualistic art traditions. Additionally, the ‘Rhythm of Kalari’ concept highlighted women’s empowerment through Kalari and classical dance.
Adding to the spectacle, a fashion show led by Beena C. Menon and her team highlighted the rich diversity of Indian textiles. The show featured traditional Kerala bridal costumes, a variety of sarees, and ethnic styles from different regions of India. This segment showcased intricate Kalamkari work from Andhra Pradesh, hand-painted sarees from Kerala, and opulent Zardosi embroidery, reflecting India’s extensive cultural heritage.
Mrs. Nisha Manath and her team presented Indian art forms from nearly 14 states, each performance reflecting the cultural richness of India. The segment began with the graceful ‘Bharatanatyam’ from Tamil Nadu and included performances of ‘Mohiniyattam,’ ‘Kuchipudi,’ ‘Kolata,’ and ‘Lavani.’ Folk dances such as ‘Garba’ from Gujarat, ‘Bathukamma’ from Telangana, and ‘Sattriya’ from Assam were also featured, providing a vibrant portrayal of India’s diverse cultural landscape. The event concluded with the national song “Vande Bharatam,” performed by all participants, creating a powerful sense of unity and pride.
The celebration was not only a showcase of cultural artistry but also featured various stage performances and competitions, keeping the audience engaged throughout the day. Additionally, the Onam Sadya, a traditional feast packed in boxes, was a major highlight, allowing attendees to enjoy authentic Kerala dishes.
The success of the Onam celebration was made possible with the support of various sponsors including Genius Abacus, TestRoom, HEC (High End Construction), My Loanz, Earthy Souls, Freedman & Gopalan Solicitors, UNTABOSS, Mentoo, Indian Matrimonial, Mindkshetra, Snap Prints, ACME Financials, Tarot readings by Sanjivini, Crystal Home, Aryaas, and SS Studios.
Overall, the grand Onam celebration was a resounding success, beautifully blending the rich traditions of Kerala with the multicultural tapestry of Sydney. The event served as a powerful reminder of the values of unity, harmony, and cultural appreciation, bringing together a community to celebrate and cherish its heritage.
