The ONAM Festival, celebrated by the Keralan Cultural Association in Redditch (KCA), took place to commemorate and celebrate King Mahabali, writes Cam Watson.
The festival was held at Woodrush High School with around 150 families attending – a massive increase from the original 40 families.
The day started with families wearing traditional saree and mundu and children presenting cultural dance and songs in front of distinguished guests.
Among those at the event were Mayor, Coun Salman Akbar and councillors Joe Baker and Bill Hartnett, who have supported KCA Redditch for the last 10 years.
King Mahabali arrived around 1pm to give blessings to his people, as is tradition, and a boat race was organised on stage to depict the culture and events so children could enjoy and be educated.
A traditional vegetarian lunch, the main highlight of the festival, on banana leaf was served to guests and members.
KCA president Joy Devassy and Mayor Abkar gave positive messages of appreciation to the Keralan community, thanking them for the contributions they make towards Redditch and providing support to each other whenever they can.
Joy and secretary Mathew Varghese inaugurated the event with lamp lighting, along with other office bearers.
They conveyed the strong message for people to keep their hard work and dedication going towards their own family, the KCA and the community around them.
They strive to see Redditch get better and better in coming years.
The festival held a lot of significance this year as the Keralan community is growing in Redditch with most families doing their bit during Covid, working in the NHS as doctors, nurseries and carers and in care homes.
The event provided the community with the chance to get together under one roof and celebrate the group’s hard work, dedication and commitment towards Redditch.
The KCA is aimed at building a unity and coexistence between all cultures.
