Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council recently enjoyed a taste of the Onam festival, as members of the local Malayali community came together in Coleraine to celebrate this important cultural occasion.
Catherine Regan, Council’s Community Development Officer, and Sara Glendinning, Council’s Good Relations Officer, were invited to enjoy the South Indian festival, alongside 120 members of the local Malayali community.
Catherine Regan, Council’s Community Development Officer, said: “This celebration has brought a little bit of Malayali to Coleraine and shows the wonderful community and spirit that exists locally.
“We were honoured to take part and hope that this is the start of a meaningful relationship going forward.”
Sara Glendinning, Council’s Good Relations Officer added: “It was a great opportunity to build connections with a local group and consider the ways we can work together to support the Good Relations aims of the Borough."
With an intricately designed flower display at the front of the hall and colourful decorations along the front of the stage, men, women and children sang in the Malayalam language, performed traditional dances and even played tug of war, as is traditional for all ages to participate in together.
A vegetarian feast of 26 items was served on a placemat representing a traditional banana leaf, and guests enjoyed an appearance by ‘King Mahabali’ himself, whose tale speaks of a ‘prosperous and happy reign over, and for, his people’.
Through the support of Council’s Community Development Officer, the group has been assisted in registering the Malayali Association Coleraine as a charity.
The Association will continue to offer cultural events and activities to members, so that a slice of home can be felt here in the Causeway Coast and Glens.
Ajesh, President of the Malayali Association Coleraine, said: “On behalf of the entire executive committee of the Malayali Association Coleraine, myself and the Secretary Glia extend their deepest gratitude to everyone for making Onam celebration an overwhelming success.
“We express our special thanks to the Community Development team of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for their support and commitment to the community. The association is very much enthusiastic about the upcoming events in the coming future.”