Vibrant Onam celebration by Indian Cultural Association in Colombo

Onam, the annual harvest festival of Kerala, South India, is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration that transcends borders. Even in the heart of Colombo, the Indian Cultural Association organised a Grand Onam celebration that brought the spirit of this cherished festival to the Indian diaspora and the local community. 

The Grand Onam celebration was presided over by Indian High Commission Development Cooperation and Press Information Counsellor Eldos Mathew Punnoose. 

Indian High Commission ICCR Director Ankuran Dutta was also present during the grand occasion. ICA President Captain Anirban Banerjee, the advisory board comprising Ranjan Chakrawarthy, Sanjay Baid, Veena Durgabakshi, General Secretary Jayadratha Das, Executive Members Aseem Bhargava, Biswas Janardhanan, Sanjeev Mishra, Elvis Peter, Swapan Haldar, Poornima Das, and Prasanna Suresh, were some of the other important dignitaries of the event.

The Indian Cultural Association in Colombo has been playing a vital role in preserving and promoting Indian traditions and festivals in Sri Lanka. The Onam celebration organised by this association is a testament to their commitment to fostering cultural ties and spreading happiness among the community. It not only preserves Indian culture but also fosters goodwill and understanding among communities in Colombo, making it an event worth experiencing for anyone interested in the diverse tapestry of Indian traditions.

Some of the key highlights of the Onam celebration were:

Grand floral decorations: The ladies of the Indian Cultural Association decorated the venue with intricate flower carpets called “Pookalam.” These colourful flowers were using various flower petals, showcasing artistic creativity.

Traditional attire: Participants and attendees dressed themselves in traditional Kerala attire.

Onam Sadhya: The highlight of the celebration was the sumptuous Onam Sadhya, a traditional feast served on banana leaves which included an array of vegetarian dishes, such as Avial, Thoran, Parippu Curry, and Payasam, prepared with aromatic spices and coconut.

Cultural performances: The event was enlivened with captivating cultural performances. The ladies of ICA performed the traditional Thiruvathirakali, followed by traditional songs and folk dances creating an atmosphere of cultural immersion.