Kerala Comes Alive in Bahrain: Onam 2024 Festivities Announced by Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam

Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS), the largest expatriate organization in the Kingdom representing over 300,000 Keralites, has announced its biggest annual celebration for Onam 2024.

Announcing this year’s preparations for the festivities for the 10-day long annual harvest festival of Kerala, India in Bahrain, BKS said this year’s celebrations is titled ‘Shraavanam 2024’ and will begin on August 30^th and will continue until September 28^th.

A 250-member team of BKS, headed by its General Convener Varughese George and President PV Radhakrishna Pillai, has lined up a spectacular array of events to celebrate Kerala’s rich traditions and vibrant heritage in Bahrain, the land of peaceful coexistence and harmony.

The celebrations will kick off on August 30th with ‘Pilleronam’, featuring traditional games and feasts for children. This will be followed by ‘Kodiyettam’ on September 5^th, which is the ceremonial flag-hoisting, thereby officially beginning this year’s Onam festival.

A major highlight of this year’s Onam festivities will be the ‘Ghoshayathra’ on September 13th, which will be a grand procession showcasing Kerala’s cultural diversity. This will be followed by the ‘Mega Thiruvathira’ on September 14th, a traditional group dance organized by the BKS Ladies Wing, celebrating unity and tradition.

On September 15th, the celebrated ‘Thamarassery Churam Band’ will perform, offering lively and engaging music. The musical festivities continue with a concert by renowned artist G. Venugopal on September 19th, and an exceptional performance by K.S. Chitra, Madhu Balakrishnan, Anamika, and Nishant on September 20th, promising an evening of unforgettable music.

The event on September 20th will also feature an address to famous Indian short story writer T. Padmanabhan, who is celebrating 70 years in creative writing.

Those looking to have a taste of Kerala are welcome to the grand Onam feast, a highlight of the celebrations, will on September 27^th. Around 5,000 visitors will be served with traditional Kerala dishes prepared by celebrated chef Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Additional highlights include the ‘Onappudava’ competition on September 8th, the ‘Onappatt’ competition on September 17th, and the traditional dress competition on September 18th, showcasing the beauty and richness of Kerala’s cultural traditions.

The chief guest for the celebrations will beH.E. Dr. CV Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal. Guests of honour will include KB Ganesh Kumar, Minister for Transport in Kerala; M. Vincent, Member of Legislative Assembly, Kerala; and CR Mahesh, Member of Legislative Assembly, Kerala.

Being one of the largest and most-celebrated Onam festivals in the Middle East, Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam’s ‘Shraavanam 2024’ will be a must-visit event for citizens, residents, and tourists in Bahrain, BKS has cordially invited everyone in Bahrain to join in the festivities and experience the joy and splendour of Onam.

This year’s Onam festivities at BKS are being organized by 250-member led by a committee headed by President PV Radhakrishna Pillai, General Convenor Varughese George, General Secretary Varghese Karakkal, and Joint Convenors Ashley Kurian, Nisha Dileesh, and Sudhi Achazhiyath.

Further details regarding ‘Shraavanam 2024’ can be found on BKS’s Facebook and Instagram handles bksamajam or by contacting President PV Radhakrishna Pillai at 973 39691 590, General Convenor Varughese George at 973 3929 1940 or General Secretary Varghese Karakkal at 973 3961 7620