Staff Reporter
Dimapur, October 6
Malayali community of Dimapur has displayed culture at its best on the occasion of Onam festival celebration which was observed with religious fervour at Dimapur Town Hall on October 6, organized by Kerala Samajan of Dimapur.Malayali community celebrates Onam with great eagerness since ancient times in honour of the homecoming of the noble and legendary King Mahabali. Onam is unique since Mahabali has been well-regarded by the people of Kerala since prehistory.
“Onam is the most important festival for the people of Kerala. Wherever we are, we always try to make this a grand occasion and in Dimapur this celebration is being observed for more than 30 years,” President of Kerala Samaj Reji Abraham said in his welcome address.
Enlightening the gathering on the history of Onam celebration, he informed that King Mahabali was so attached to his kingdom that it is believed he comes annually from the back world to see his people living happily. It is also the Harvest festival of Kerala, he added.
Also acknowledged that Onam has universal appeal, he said it is becoming a global festival. Onam is celebrated mainly in honour of King Mahabali to let him know that his people are living in peace and harmony.
Speaking on behalf of the proposed chief guest and Parliamentary Secretary for IT, Science & Technology, Technical Education and Taxes, Tovihoto Ayemi, who could not make it for the celebration due to unavoidable situation, his representative Mughavi Chishi, has extended Onam greetings to the Kerala community. Lauding the noble services rendered by the Kerala community towards the profession of teaching, Chishi urged upon them to continue with their honest and dedicated work.
Also appreciating the bond they share with the Nagas, he encouraged them in building the relation further especially in the field of education. Through this celebration he invoked God’s blessing so that every individual can be generous to human being and to live in peace and harmony which is the crux of celebrating Onam.
