MUSCAT : Palakkad Friends Community marked Onam and its 13th anniversary with a day-long celebration in Muscat, bringing together more than 2,000 people for a showcase of Kerala’s traditions, culture and music.

Held at Al Falaj Hotel in Ruwi, the programme featured a giant Pookkalam prepared by community members, Panchavadyam, a ceremonial welcome for King Mahabali, Thalappoli, Thiruvathira, Kummatti and a series of cultural and cinematic dance performances.

The official ceremony began with the lighting of the traditional lamp by chief guest Tavishi Behal Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Oman.

Addressing the gathering, Pandey said her experience in Oman had given her a new perspective on Onam and its growing significance beyond Kerala.

She said that while she knew relatively little about the festival before arriving in Oman, she had come to recognise Onam as a celebration that extends beyond the Malayali community and brings Indians together overseas. She also expressed her happiness at beginning her season of Onam celebrations with the Palakkad Friends Community.

Community President P. Sreekumar presided over the formal function.

Among those attending were Indian Social Club Chairman Suhail Khan, General Secretary Shakeel Komath, Social Welfare Secretary Santhosh Kumar, ISC Malayalam Wing Convener Thajudheen and ISC Malabar Wing Convener Noushad Kokkoori, along with community office-bearers Aneesh Kadavil and Kuriakose Maliyekkal and representatives from Oman’s socio-cultural and media communities.

A major highlight of the celebrations was the traditional Palakkad-style Onasadhya, prepared under the supervision of chef Devan Namboothiri and served to more than 2,000 attendees.

The evening programme opened with a Chenda Melam by Melam Muscat, followed by a dance drama highlighting Palakkad’s agricultural traditions, cultural heritage and history.

Addressing the gathering, Sreekumar reflected on the organisation’s 13-year journey in Muscat and its role in the expatriate socio-cultural community. He also praised members and volunteers for bringing what had traditionally been organised as a two-day celebration into a packed single-day programme.

The community presented its Palakkad Friends Community Cultural Award to music director and playback singer Ranjin Raj, while the Philanthropy Award was conferred on Dr. Suresh Balakrishnan, representing Sahayathra Charitable Trust, Palakkad.

Accepting the honour, Ranjin Raj spoke about his connection with Palakkad and said meeting people from his hometown in Muscat was an emotional experience. He later performed his popular song “Poomuthole” from the Malayalam film Joseph.

Students from community families who achieved top grades in their SSLC and Plus-Two examinations were also recognised with educational excellence awards. Sponsors and supporters of the event were presented with tokens of appreciation.

The celebrations culminated in a musical performance by playback singer Sithara Krishnakumar and Project Malabaricus, with Aravind Nair also performing during the evening.

Organised under the auspices of Eyestone LLC, the programme was anchored by Indu Baburaj and Shyama Arjun. Programme Coordinator Vaishakh delivered the welcome address, while Treasurer Jagadeesh proposed the vote of thanks.

Community office-bearers Charulatha Balachandran, Gopakumar, Neethu Pratap, Srinivasan, Manoj, Praveen, Harigovind, Jagadeesh, Jithesh and Rajeev Nandakumar thanked members, volunteers, sponsors and attendees for supporting the celebration.

The event, which ran from morning until late evening, brought together traditional Onam customs and contemporary performances as Palakkad Friends Community celebrated both the festival and 13 years of its presence in Muscat.

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