Kairali of Baltimore (KOB), an organization that has been serving the Indian-American community in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area since 1984, hosted a vibrant and successful Onam celebration on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Howard High School in Ellicott City, MD.
The event kicked off at 4:00 PM with the highlight being the stunning Pookalam—a traditional floral arrangement. The picturesque Pookalam, set against a majestic Maveli backdrop, became the perfect spot for families and friends to capture memories of the joyous occasion. It was more than just a visual spectacle, symbolizing prosperity, unity, and the essence of Onam.
The cultural festivities began with an impressive LED screen display setting the tone for a series of captivating performances. The program was inaugurated by the Entertainment Chair of KOB with a welcome address, followed by the American National Anthem. A grand Maveli procession, featuring chendamelam, pulikali, and thalappoli, added authenticity to the celebration, followed by a graceful thiruvathira. The evening also featured a mix of traditional and fusion dances, along with melodious songs, captivating the audience.
Dr. Alphonsa Rahman, President of Kairali of Baltimore, delivered the presidential address, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation and community service. The chief guest, Dr. Shelby Kutty, a renowned cardiologist from Johns Hopkins University, shared a thoughtful Onam message, highlighting the importance of health and appreciating the hard work of farmers during this harvest festival.
A significant part of the evening was the release of Kairali of Baltimore’s Onam Souvenir, a cherished tradition. The organization also recognized all the sponsors for their outstanding contributions and support. Kairali also presented two volunteer service awards and announced the winners of their “Be My Valentine” contest across various categories. Adding to the fun was a payasam tasting competition, with prizes awarded to the best entries.
A unique feature of the event was a cinematic drama based on the Mahabharata, directed by Thomas Jose. The performance portrayed the eternal struggle between jealousy and dharma, leaving the audience with a powerful message that righteousness will always triumph over envy.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Subin James, Vice President of Kairali, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers and participants who made the Onam celebration a grand success. The cultural festivities ended with the Indian National Anthem.
To make it a memorable evening, Kairali of Baltimore hosted a sumptuous Onam Sadhya—a traditional feast served on fresh banana leaves, catered by Jon N’ Nair from The Essence. Featuring 21 authentic dishes, the feast brought the flavors of Kerala to life, uniting the community through the shared joy of delicious food and celebration.
