Albany’s Malayalee Association celebrated the Onam festival with a procession, sports and a traditional vegetarian feast at the Lower Kalgan hall earlier this month.

The Onam celebrations mark the Malayalee new year and is the 10-day harvest and cultural festival of Kerala, a State in southern India.

The Malayalee community turned up in force on September 5 to hear messages of greeting and support from Kerala.

Albany mayor Greg Stocks, his wife Eleanor and City of Albany councillor Rebecca Stephens were guests and were greeted by Mahabali, in traditional dress.

Mahabali is a benevolent king featured in Hinduism.

The association president Jobison Jacob said the guests received a special welcome.

“The distinguished guests were welcomed with traditional splendour featuring Mahabali, colourful umbrellas called muthukkuda, floral decorations, and families carrying thalappoli plates,” he said.

“They were accompanied by vibrant pulikali, a tiger dance, performers and Mahabali.”

The official ceremony was led by Mr Jacob, while Onam program co-ordinator Preethi Easo delivered the welcome address.

Mr Stocks inaugurated the celebration, while Cr Stephens offered her congratulations and best wishes.

There were indoor and outdoor games for children with the highlight being the traditional tug of war, the vadamvali, which recreated the vibrant atmosphere of a rural festival in Kerala.

Mr Jacob said the event had brought the festivities of Kerala to Albany.

“Through collective effort, the community successfully recreated the festive spirit of home in Albany,” he said.

“The event helped strengthen bonds among community members and shared joy amidst expatriate life.

“The Albany Malayalee Association welcomed Onam this year as an inspiring model for other communities in Albany.”