Muscat – The 25th-anniversary celebrations and Onam festivities of the Indian Social Club Oman – Kerala Wing will take place on September 18 at 6:00 PM at the Al Falaj Hotel Hall in Ruwi.

The event aims to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Kerala Wing—which has been actively engaged in social, cultural, and welfare activities for the Malayali community in Oman for a quarter of a century—while also welcoming Onam, a key symbol of Malayali cultural heritage, through a variety of artistic performances.

Onam, deeply rooted in the cultural life of Malayalis, is celebrated with special emotional significance even in this land far from home.

The Kerala Wing views the Onam celebration as an opportunity to pass on memories of the homeland, along with Kerala’s art forms, music, and traditions, to the younger generation.

In line with this objective, the celebration features a range of artistic programs, including music and dance. Ms. Tawshi Behl Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, will inaugurate the Onam celebrations at 11:00 AM on September 18. This will be followed by an Onasadya (traditional Onam feast) for invited guests and members. 

For the cultural event which is starting at 6.30 in the evening, H E. Prashant Pise, the Indian Ambassador to Oman, will be the chief guest. Dr. P. Mohamed Ali, a prominent industrialist and Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology (Oman), along with Mr. Suhail Khan, Chairman of the Indian Social Club Oman, and Mr. Shakeel K.M., General Secretary, will be the guests of honour.

The Kerala Wing, which commenced operations on March 29, 2001—inaugurated by the legendary singer Dr. K.J. Yesudas—has been spearheading various initiatives to address the cultural and social needs of the Malayali community in Oman.

Notable activities of the Kerala Wing include arts and cultural programs, literary initiatives, competitions and training sessions for children and youth, women-centric activities, and social welfare projects.

In addition to addressing the community’s diverse needs amidst the changing dynamics of expatriate life, the Wing has focused on preserving the Malayalam language and the artistic and cultural heritage of Kerala.

Musical Extravaganza Led by Anitha Shaiq

A live band led by the renowned singer Anitha Shaiq is one of the major attractions of the Silver Jubilee celebrations.

The musical program features a mix of songs beloved by Malayalis alongside popular tracks in various other languages. The event has been curated to appeal to audiences of all ages. Additionally, a special dance performance by artists from the Kerala Wing will be presented as part of the celebrations. The dance performance is being crafted by blending various facets of Kerala’s artistic heritage with contemporary presentation styles. A key feature of the event is the participation of artists spanning all age groups, including children and the youth.

The Kerala Wing has consistently prioritized initiatives that provide platforms for its artists to undergo training and showcase their talents.

Greater Focus on the New Generation

Following the Silver Jubilee, the Kerala Wing is prioritizing the creation of more opportunities for children and the youth.

Programs aimed at identifying and nurturing their talents in fields such as art, literature, sports, and education will be significantly expanded.

In the coming years, emphasis will also be placed on initiatives that introduce the new generation growing up in Oman to the Malayalam language, as well as the history, literature, art, and culture of Kerala.

The organizers gratefully acknowledged the support extended by the media in showcasing the Kerala Wing’s 25 years of activities to the public.

They also sought the media’s cooperation in conveying news and highlights of the Silver Jubilee and Onam celebrations to the Malayali community in Oman.

Marking the completion of a quarter-century of operations, the Kerala Wing is embarking on a new journey that embraces both the strength of tradition and the creativity of the new generation.

The event, scheduled for September 18 at the Al Falaj Hotel, promises to be a unique celebration blending Silver Jubilee memories with the cultural spirit of Onam, accompanied by music and dance.