UAE: Expats kick off Ao Nang festivities with drums, dances and festive songs in Abu Dhabi – News

Although the festival lasts for 10 days, it lasts for months in the UAE and the Gulf

Onam Celebration

After a lapse of two years, expatriates from the Indian state of Kerala happily celebrated the Ao Nang Harvest Festival.

Indian associations, malls, community groups, professionals and companies have launched celebrations. The hallmark of this festival is that it is celebrated by all Keralas regardless of religion, caste and creed.

Although the festival lasts for 10 days, it lasts for months in the UAE and the Gulf, mainly because parties are held on holidays and depend on the availability of halls and restaurants. Nearly half of the estimated 3.5 million powerful Indian diaspora are from the tiny state of Kerala, where hundreds of associations and university groups have flourished in the UAE, extending Onam celebrations to Diwali and beyond.

The Abu Dhabi chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) met this Sunday at the Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel in the presence of its 350 members, families, community members and Indian embassy officials Meetings, they mostly wear traditional holiday clothes.

ICAI president CA John George said Onam sent a “great message of solidarity”. “We aspire to a similar era where the entire human race is treated equally and without discrimination. Members from all Indian states participated in our celebration. It reflects a symbolic message of harmony and oneness.”

“Events like this give us a chance to understand the meaning and importance of this festival,” said CA Krishnan NV, ICAI vice-president.

Several cultural events were held including the traditional “Thirvathirakali” (a type of dance), singing of festive songs, traditional drums, the return of Mahabali, the devil who ruled Kerala according to Hindu mythology. In addition, “pookkalam” (tape carpets) were laid, tug-of-war competitions were held, and a grand “Onam sadhya” (traditional vegetarian meal) was served.

Executive Committee members CA Anu Thomas, CA Rohit Dayma, CA Priyanka Birla and the former chairman were also present.

Healthcare organizations such as Ahalia Medical Group are planning celebrations that will involve more than 2,500 fully vaccinated employees from 30 countries.

Sooraj Prabhakaran, senior manager of operations at Ahalia Medical Group, points out that celebrations like this are a great opportunity to develop connections and soft skills among employees.

“Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we have not had mass celebrations for the past few years. Now that 100% of our staff are vaccinated, we have the courage to responsibly celebrate this year’s Onam on a large scale. We have factories across the UAE of employees will be taking part in the festive celebrations. We have been commemorating all the important days such as Hari Raya, Christmas, Diwali and Onam.”

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Mussafa-based Abu Dhabi Malayalisa Majam has announced a month-long celebration that will include several events. The association held cultural programmes and a “pookkalam” competition on Sunday. Additionally, the grand ‘Onam sadhya’ will be held at the Abu Dhabi Indian Social and Cultural Centre, which will also host various events.

Meanwhile, malls and hypermarkets are all dressed up to celebrate the festival.