Indian community celebrates Onam with colours & flair
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

ABOVE & BELOW: Cultural performances by dancers.

Chief guest Mr M. P. Singh, Acting High Commissioner of India to Brunei Darussalam, touched on various aspects of Onam, the multifaceted celebration originating from Kerala in his speech.

Mr Paulose meanwhile said the Onam Celebration makes the people think in terms of a group and team rather than in individual terms.

"This goes a long way in generating the spirit of goodwill amongst the people," he said.

Dr P. S. Sugathan, speaking as the president of BSB Indian Association, highlighted the importance of encouraging various cultural festivals of India in Brunei Darussalam for the benefit of those who miss them being away from home.

Onam had probably begun as a festival marking paddy harvesting in the southern Indian state of Kerala, but in public perception it is largely associated with the legend of Mahabali, the mythological king whose benevolent rule made all people lead a happy and prosperous life.

The Kerala state is one of the most socially advanced and secular states in India with education being widespread and large number of its people working abroad and channelling their savings to the state.

It was also the nation's first state to be declared fully literate a decade ago.

Such is Kerala's secular record that Hindus, Muslims and Christians intermingle in the state's social life in a show of communal harmony and celebrate Onam cutting across religious lines.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin