Onam Fest 2025: A Colorful Celebration by Navodaya Malayalees Cultural Association
The joy, warmth, and traditions of Kerala’s most beloved festival, Onam, came alive in Hyderabad when the Navodaya Malayalees Cultural Association (NMCA), Kukatpally, hosted a grand celebration at Naina Conventions on Sunday, 21st September 2025. The event was more than a festival – it was a homecoming for Malayalees living away from Kerala, bringing families and friends together to celebrate their roots.
The entire venue was filled with festive charm. Beautiful pookkalams (floral carpets) decorated the halls, children and adults wore traditional Kerala attire, and the spirit of togetherness shone in every corner. For many, it felt like stepping back into Kerala, surrounded by culture, food, music, and joy.
Honoring the Guests
The celebration was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests. Shri. M. Krishna Rao, Hon’ble MLA of Kukatpally, joined as the Chief Guest, while Smt. Priyanka Varghese (I.F.S.) and Mr. Jupally Satyanarayana (Corporator, Kukatpally) were welcomed as Guests of Honour.
Also gracing the occasion were Mr. Kannatt Surendran, Mr. Praveen Kumar Nedungadi, Mr. Srinivas Mathilakathi, and Mr. Bandi Ramesh. Their presence added warmth and encouragement to the community gathering.
The event was guided under the leadership of NMCA President Shri. M.K. Babu, with Secretary Panampilly Vijayakumar Menon and Treasurer K. Ramesh ensuring that every detail was taken care of, making the celebration a smooth and memorable one.
A Day Full of Tradition and Joy
From the very beginning, the event was filled with energy and excitement. The stage came alive with cultural programs—songs, dances, skits, and traditional performances by both children and adults—that captured the essence of Onam and its timeless story of King Mahabali. The audience cheered as performers showcased Kerala’s heritage with pride and creativity.
The Onam Sadhya, a grand traditional feast served on banana leaves, became the highlight of the day. With a wide spread of authentic Kerala dishes, the sadhya brought everyone together around the table, sparking conversations, laughter, and nostalgia of Onam back in Kerala.
The colorful pookkalam, the cheerful cultural activities, and the delicious sadhya combined to recreate the magic of Onam in Hyderabad, reminding everyone that distance cannot fade cultural bonds.
A Celebration of Togetherness
The Chief Guest, Shri. M. Krishna Rao, praised the association for keeping traditions alive and building strong community ties. The Guests of Honour also applauded the way NMCA brought people together to celebrate, emphasizing how such events strengthen cultural connections beyond borders.
For many attendees, the Onam Fest was not just a cultural program but a heartfelt reminder of belonging and community. It gave everyone—young and old alike—a chance to reconnect with traditions while creating new memories with friends and families in Hyderabad.
In Closing
The Navodaya Malayalees Cultural Association’s Onam Fest 2025 was a resounding success. It wasn’t just about celebrating a festival—it was about celebrating people, unity, and shared happiness. By recreating Kerala’s spirit in Kukatpally, NMCA once again proved that culture lives on wherever hearts come together.
