No fewer than 300 people gathered at the Civic centre on Saturday to celebrate the annual Onam festival. In India, the Onam festival is an annual harvest festival celebrated in the Indian State of Kerala. The festival is regarded as a major event for the Keralites and it is the official festival of the state.
The event which was hosted by the Bundaberg Indian Malayalee Association was filled with a spectrum of cultural events. The festival was a celebration of culture, colour, food and filled with lots of fun. According to Hindu mythology, the Onam festival commemorates King Mahabali who is believed to return to Kerala during this festival season to visit people. “We as a community celebrate this event every year and members of the community group invite their friends and dear ones for the celebration.” BIMA member, Mr Neenu Amal said.
The festival featured Pulikali (tiger dance), Onasdaya (feast), Onathallu (martial arts) and Vallamkali (boat races) amongst other celebrations.
BIMA member, Neenu Amal further stated that the festival celebrates unity and humanity and as such people from all other communities were welcome to participate regardless of its origin.
