NAFO Kuwait celebrates ‘Onam 2015’
National Forum (NAFO-Kuwait) celebrated “ONAM 2015” on October 2 at the Indian Community School (Senior), Salmiya. The celebrations kicked off at 10 am with the lighting of lamp by ladies of NAFO. A meticulously crafted Onapookallam by talented NAFO families set the perfect start for the festivities on Onam day early morning itself.
The cultural events began with national anthems of Kuwait and India, followed by a prayer song by Vaishnav Anilkumar. Then, a one minute silence was observed in order to pay homage for the recently departed loving souls of NAFO. Acting general secretary of NAFO, ON Sureshkumar, by briefly denoting the background and significance of Onam, welcomed the auspicious gathering. Shiv Sagar from the Indian Embassy was the Chief Guest. The event was attended by several prominent local dignitaries, delegates of other organizations, media representatives and NAFO well-wishers and sponsors.
Day’s cultural programs commenced with a graceful devotional dance based on Jnapaana, by Preeti Padmanabhan. Sopana Sangeetham concert by Njeralath Harigovindan, a popular sopana sangeetham musician from Kerala, was one of the highlights of the whole day celebrations. Harigovindan not only gracefully recited Sopana sangeetham, but also by briefly narrating the traditional background of this centuries old temple art form elegantly enchanted the audience. A lovely traditional Thiruvathirakkali was performed by members of NAFO ladies Wing. This was followed by a graceful Bharathanatyam dance by Anjana Raviprasad. Two Mohiniyattam performances by Dr Anitha Unnikrishnan, with her allusive gestures and rhythmic footwork and under the background of lyrical music captivated the whole audience. Another Mohiniyattam performance by Aparna Sudheer superfluously showcased the traditional value of one of the most popular art forms of Kerala. Saravegangal, a short drama-skit, based on Epic Mahabharata, was yet another highlight of the day’s program. JinuVaikkath, Pramod Menon, Mini Satheesh, Smitha Sasikumar, Anju Puthusseri and Subbaraman, stylishly presented different roles and elucidated their professional acting aptitudes. A colorful fusion dance by NAFO junior girls, semi-classical dance by NAFO ladies, solo dance by Sidharth and Harseet Sunil; solo songs by Athira Raviprasad, Master Siddharth Sudheer, Hansuja Sunil and Sampreeth Karanavar added contemporary flavor for the cultural events, which ended with a graceful family dance by three NAFO couples, led by Subod Madhavan, Dr Pratap Unnithan and Rajiv Menon.
Chief Guest, Shri. Shiv Sagar, in his inaugural address admired, congratulated and thanked NAFO for organizing such useful events, such as Onam, aimed at nurturing unity and harmony among the local community. NAFO President, Dr Srikumar, in his message mentioned the importance of Onam celebration in humanizing love and brotherhood beyond caste, creed or religion. He informed the gathering about NAFO’s two recent significant achievements, such as finally realizing a Recreation Center for NAFO in Salmiya, and completion of all formalities for registration of NAFO as a Society in India. NAFO Patron, Vijay Karayil, Advisory Board member, Dr PC Nair, Ladies Wing Coordinator, Smt. Gigi Unnikrishnan - all of them in their felicitation messages highlighted the joyful feelings, memories and traditions of Onam festival. Elegant compeering of the whole event by Vishal Menon and Shivani Menon flawlessly guided the gathering from the beginning to the end. Event convener, VR Vijayan Nair, proposed vote of thanks by specifically referring to all those who wholeheartedly supported and participated and made the event a grand success. A sumptuous Onasadya was served to all.