Bhopal: The United Malayali Association (UMA), Bhopal, in collaboration with the Malayalam Mission – Madhya Pradesh Chapter, is organizing a grand Onam celebration on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Hema School Ground, Govindpura, Bhopal.
The event will bring together Bhopal’s Malayali community along with their families, friends, and well-wishers. Through this program, the rich culture and traditions of Kerala, as well as the festive spirit of Onam, will be showcased to the residents of Bhopal.
Bhopal Collector Priyank Mishra will attend the event as the chief guest. Renowned Malayalam film and television artist Aneesh Ravi will be present as a special guest; his presence—given his popularity in Malayalam cinema and television—will be a major highlight of the celebration. Young talent Master Anirudh K.V. will also join the event.
The Onam celebrations will commence at 3:00 PM with a traditional Athapoo (floral rangoli) competition. Simultaneously, the much-awaited tug-of-war competition will take place, featuring various teams competing for the UMA Rolling Trophy and attractive cash prizes.
Following this, a cultural program will begin at 5:30 PM, showcasing Kerala’s traditional art forms, music, dance, and diverse cultural performances. At 7:30 PM, the traditional welcome of King Mahabali will take place.
Special food stalls serving traditional Kerala cuisine will be set up at the venue for guests and city residents, offering them an opportunity to experience the authentic flavors of Kerala. Meritorious students who excelled in their Class 10 and 12 examinations will also be felicitated during the event. This initiative is part of UMA’s ongoing efforts to encourage the younger generation to excel in the field of education.
Speaking about the event, O.D. Joseph, President of the United Malayali Association (UMA), said, “Onam is not merely a festival; it is a celebration of values such as equality, justice, prosperity, and brotherhood associated with the reign of King Mahabali. Through this event, UMA aims to pass on Kerala’s rich cultural heritage to the new generation and share a message of unity and harmony with the broader community of Bhopal.”
Joseph said further, “We are delighted that the Collector of Bhopal, Mr. Priyank Mishra, is joining us as the chief guest. We cordially invite all families, friends, and well-wishers in Bhopal to this special occasion and hope that everyone will come together to share in the joy of Onam.”
This event is a significant part of the efforts being made by UMA and the Malayalam Mission to promote Kerala’s cultural heritage in Madhya Pradesh, foster social unity, and preserve the Malayalam language and culture. Currently, more than 550 students are enrolled in Malayalam Mission classes, which operate under the guidance of the Department of Culture, Government of Kerala. A help desk for NORKA ID card registration will also be available for interested individuals during the event.
The United Malayali Association has appealed to all citizens of Bhopal, members of the Malayali community, families, friends, and well-wishers to attend the celebration, which will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Hema School Ground, Govindpura, Bhopal. The organization has urged everyone to attend with their families to enjoy the colors, culture, music, art, and traditional cuisine of Onam, and to celebrate the occasion as a festival of unity, brotherhood, and harmony.
