By P. Chandra Sagaran
The Perak Malayalee Association (PMA) hosted an Onam Sadhya at the Shree Krishna Mandir Hall here on September 20.
Perak Health, Human Resources,National Integration and Indian Affairs Committee Chairman A. Sivanesan officiated the event by lighting the nilavilakku.
Earlier he was welcomed by the association members accompanied by the chenda melam group.
Malayalees celebrate Onam on September 5.
Present were members from North Malaysia Malayalee Samajam, Sungai Siput Malayalee Samajam and All Malaysia Malayalee Association (AMMA).
In his speech Sivanesan asked the association to submit their proposals for activities.
He praised the association for holding various activities and asked them to host medical camps.
” As the chairman of the health exco portfolio I will provide my assistance for such events,” he added.
He pledged RM10,000 for their activities.
The exco member had already contributed RM6,500 for Onam celebration and another RM9,000 for the participation of PMA in the All Malaysia Malayalee Association (AMMA) Games Carnival.
PMA President Sarala Govindan Nair in her address commended Sivanesan for his attendance at the event despite the demanding schedule and many responsibilities.
“Your presence is a testament to your ensuring support for cultural and community events in the state.
“Onam Sadhya is more than a feast,it is a celebration of heritage,unity and tradition,”she added.
The highlight of the event was a vegetarian lunch with 16 Malayalam traditional dishes served which was prepared by PMA Exco ladies while the men helped in cutting the vegetables.
Onam is more than just a harvest, it reflects Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, community bonding, and the timeless story of love and devotion between a ruler and his people.