Bendigo Malayalee Association prepares for traditional Onam festival

The Bendigo Malayalee Association, which represent those from the state of Kerala in southern India, will honour the holiday with traditional songs, dances and a special feast.

"People believe it is one of the festivals that everyone celebrate together," association president Shilin Roy said. "People of all religions come together to celebrate the joy and the happiness in their lives."

One of the highlights of the festival is the vegetarian banquet known as Onasadya where there is up to 21 traditional dishes.

There is also the large pookkalam - a floral design arranged for Onam - and the traditional chenda melam or percussion drumming.

Read more: Bendigo Malayalee Association comes together for Onam and to raise funds for Kerala flood relief

The festival centres around the story of King Mahabali, a popular ruler whose reign was considered to be the golden era of Kerala.

But, as the story goes, the gods were concerned about the King's power so Lord Vamana sent King Mahabali to the underworld with his foot.

Onam is significant because it is said to be the day that King Mahabali returns from the underworld to visit Kerala.

"We all think Mahabli will come and visit us so we decorate each house to welcome the King," association member Annie Christopher said. "The day is like a remembrance function as well."

Ms Roy said the Malayalee community wanted to share their special festival with everyone in Bendigo.

"We believe Bendigo is one of the largest communities of Malayalee families," she said. "So in these circumstances, what we want to do is focus more on the people who are outside of our community.

"We want people to come and enjoy our festival. It is very traditional, so they can come and learn more about the Indian culture."

The group will be celebrating Onam on Saturday, September 14 from 10am - 5pm at St Andrew's Church Hall on Myers Street.

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