Over 350 Malayalees  and their families gathered at St Thomas Moore Catholic Church Parrish Hall, Barking, East London, organised by Kirali UK East London Unit. Kirali UK, is a UK-based cultural platform aiming to promote progressive thinking, has over 43 branches all over UK. Onam sadya (feast with over 27 curries) on with Onam musical event. Organisers from the Kigali UK East London, Arun Raj (President) Secretary Anaz Salam, Treasurer Lailaj also attended the event. Onam is not only for us to enjoy for a minute, but also it is an experience which unites us irrespective of your religious beliefs.

Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated in the southern state of Kerala, India, in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August–September. Onam is the official state festival of Kerala with public holidays that start four days from Onam Eve (Uthrradom). The festival is a major annual event for a Malayali all over the world.

The myth behind Onam festival is the annual visit of King Mahabali, a benevolent demon King, who was sent to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu, but is allowed to visit his people once a year during the harvest festival symbolising abundance and prosperity of the land. The festival includes traditional dances, the Pookalam, a floral arrangement, music and the famous Onam Sadhya feast welcoming King Mahabali. Onam is a time for family reunions and community bonding reflecting the spirit of unity. The festival also embodies the essence of rich cultural heritage, love togetherness. Despite his virtues, Mahabali’s downfall came when the gods, feeling threatened by his growing power and the devotion of his subjects, sought the help of Lord Vishnu, as they feared Mahabali’s reign would overshadow them, prompting Lord Vishnu taking the form of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana to confront the king, who was known to grant wishes to anyone who sought his help, making him a beloved monarch. His rule was a symbol of righteousness and justice, as he ensured that his subjects lived without fear and want. Vamana approached Mahabali during a yagna ( sacrificial ceremony) and requested a piece of land that measured three paces. Mahabali amused by the request granted it without hesitation. But Vamana transformed into a giant and covered the entire universe in three steps, which forced Mahabali to surrender his kingdom.  Having exiled to the netherworld (patala), Vishnu however, granted him a boon that he could return to visit his people once a year during the harvest festival Onam.