Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
Once again, the cultural map of Australia is adorned with the colours of Indian traditions. The Kerala expatriate community in Sydney celebrated the Onam festival with immense enthusiasm, joy, and community unity. The presence of Rajinder Soni, National Co-Coordinator of the Congress OBC Wing, added special significance to the occasion.
The participation of Australian political and diplomatic dignitaries elevated it to an international-level affair. Warren Kirby, Member of Parliament for the Liverpool area, praised Kerala culture and emphasized the community's unity. In the same vein, Dr. S. Janki Raman, Consul General at the Indian Consulate General closely experienced Kerala's traditions and engaged in in-depth dialogues with the expatriate Indians.
Honouring Rajinder Soni, Irfan Mallik said that such events play a crucial role in strengthening India-Australia relations. Hundreds of expatriate Indians appeared in traditional Kerala attire, adorned beautifully. Women in settu-sarees and men in dhotis and kurtas looked so stunning that the entire atmosphere evoked memories of rural Kerala. The highlight of the festival was the magnificent floral Rangoli (pookalam), adorned with diverse colours and designs.
Another key feature of the celebration was Kerala's famous Onam Sadhya, a 9-course vegetarian feast with 26 to 28 dishes.
Rajinder Soni expressed his heartfelt thanks to Chairman Irfan Mallik.