Page 33 - The Indian EYE 090426

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 04, 2026 | The Indian Eye 33

Spirit of Onam Celebrated with

Traditional Feast in Queens

OUR BUREAU York, Onam has also become much
more than a remembrance of a fes-
Bellerose, NY
tival back home. It is a bridge be-
he spirit of Kerala’s most tween generations and between two
cherished festival came alive homelands. Across the New York
Tin Queens as friends and com- metropolitan area, Malayali families
munity leaders gathered at Dilbar and community organizations recre-
Restaurant in Bellerose for a tradi- ate the traditions of Kerala through
tional Onam feast on the auspicious Onam gatherings, floral decorations,
occasion of Thiruvonam. cultural programs and, of course, the
The guest of honor was Addanki much-anticipated Onasadya.
Dayakar, Member of the Telangana Thousands of miles away from
Legislative Council and Govern- Kerala, the familiar flavors and
ment Whip, who attended along traditions bring back memories of
with his wife, Nagamani. Among childhood, family gatherings and the
those joining the celebration were unmistakable excitement of Thiru-
Indrajit Saluja, Chief Editor of The vonam.
Indian Panorama; George Abra- At the same time, such celebra-
ham, Vice-Chairman of the Indian tions introduce younger generations
Overseas Congress, USA, and his growing up in America to the rich
wife Lona; Dr. Brahm Tandra and cultural heritage of their parents and
his wife Usha; and noted Indian Su- grandparents.
preme Court lawyer Ashok Arora. The gathering at Dilbar Restau-
The centerpiece of the celebra- rant reflected the enduring message
tion was the traditional Onasadya, ant day of the ten-day Onam festi- together in a spirit of unity, love and of Onam: prosperity has its greatest
with a generous assortment of Ker- val. According to Kerala tradition, brotherhood. meaning when it is shared, and a
ala delicacies recalling the festive Onam commemorates the annual That spirit was very much pres- community is strongest when peo-
tables of homes across Kerala. The homecoming of the legendary King ent in Bellerose. Around the dining ple come together in unity, love and
elaborate vegetarian feast, tradition- Mahabali, whose reign is remem- table, differences of religion, region brotherhood.
ally served with numerous curries, bered as an era of prosperity, equali- and political affiliation gave way to For a few memorable hours in
side dishes, pickles, rice, sambar, ty and harmony. friendship and fellowship—the very Queens, the flavors of Kerala, the
avial, pachadi and payasam, remains Over the centuries, Onam has qualities that have made Onam such warmth of friendship and the spirit
one of the most beloved features of grown beyond religious and social a uniquely unifying celebration for of Mahabali’s legendary kingdom
Onam. boundaries to become a celebration the people of Kerala. found a home once again in New
Thiruvonam is the most import- in which Malayalis everywhere come For the Kerala diaspora in New York.

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