THE KERALA Cultural Association (KCA) Redditch enjoyed a belated Christmas celebration last week.
The event, at Woodrush High School in Wythall, was attended by the special guest for the evening Coun Bill Hartnett and Coun Joanne Kane alongside 300 people from the town.
Children of all ages performed on stage to the tune of Bollywood and Malayalam songs, some even singing in local language Malayalam showing the skills of being bilingual.
KCA President Joy Devassy gave his traditional presidential speech telling about the real meaning of Christmas and how it was a very special occasion for children.
Lizomon Mapranath, from the association, said: “It’s the 11th year Kerala Cultural Association is celebrating this event where we have grown from 25 families to 175 families.
“We are still keeping the tradition and culture at the heart of home away from home.
“We as Keralan families believe Redditch is a wonderful place to live and work along with opportunities for children to thrive their future ambition.”
Coun Hartnett said he, along with others, was honoured to be invited.
“It was a wonderful day with magnificent hot Indian buffet with singing, dancing.
“Not forgetting the sleigh of dancing Santas.
“Thank you Lizomon Mapranath, Bincy Lizomon, Binju Jacob, Paul Joseph, Jensy Paul and all the KCA Committee you are a great community.”
The KCA serves as a vibrant hub for the Malayalee community in Redditch.
Many Malayalees migrated to the town as part of the NHS workforce with more than 250 families now calling Redditch their home.
This growth prompted the founding of the KCA, aiming to support the migrated Malayalees, preserve cultural heritage, and create awareness among younger generations.
