Strength In Unity Onam Festival Connects Generations

By Amanda Wright

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A dazzling display of cultural heritage, vibrant colours, and heartfelt friendship lit up Mackay on Saturday as the Malayalee community came together to celebrate the joyous festival of Onam, a cornerstone of tradition and unity.
The celebration was held at the Northern Beaches Community Centre in Bucasia on Saturday, 21st September 2024, marking one of the most significant cultural events for the Indian community in the region. This annual event, which brought together over 300 people throughout Mackay, celebrated the rich traditions of Kerala, with the atmosphere buzzing with joy, unity, and inclusivity.

Local children showcase their strength and enthusiasm during thetraditional tug of war, one of the many lively activities that markedthe Onam celebration hosted by the Mackay Malayalee Association.Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Tug Of War, Feasts, And Friendship

The Onam feast, hosted by the Mackay Malayalee Association, was filled with traditional performances, dances, and the much-anticipated tug-of-war games, bringing together people of all ages in the spirit of friendly competition. The event concluded with a hearty vegetarian meal, honouring the spirit of Onam by serving traditional Kerala dishes to the large gathering. Mayor Greg Williamson, an honoured guest, stayed for the feast, watching the performances and joining the community in the celebrations.
Mayor Williamson highlighted the significance of multiculturalism in Mackay and praised the Malayalee community for their contribution to the region.
“This celebration is not just about tradition; it’s about the joy that this gathering brings to your community, and therefore, to our community,” Mayor Williamson said.
“In Mackay, we are proud to be a truly multicultural region. Over the past 11 years, we’ve welcomed new citizens from 102 different countries, and that diversity is what makes our community so strong.
“It’s essential for young people to understand where they came from, to know their roots, and to still be part of the community in which they now live. Celebrations like these are a testament to how individual cultures can flourish within the broader Australian society,” he added.
“The only way we can solve the challenges we face is by working together as one community, celebrating our diversity and teaching the next generation about the importance of mutual respect.”
Onam, a festival deeply rooted in Kerala’s mythology and agricultural traditions, celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali and the bountiful harvest of the year.
The legend tells the story of King Mahabali, a mighty ruler of Kerala, who was so loved by his people that even the gods became envious of his popularity and prosperity. According to mythology, Lord Vishnu, in his dwarf avatar Vamana, visited Mahabali and requested three feet of land as alms. In his enormous form, Vamana covered the earth and the heavens in two steps, leaving no room for the third. Mahabali, in his selflessness, offered his own head for the final step, after which he was sent to the netherworld. However, in recognition of his righteousness, Mahabali was granted permission to visit his people once every year, and it is this homecoming that Keralites celebrate with great devotion during Onam.
Alongside its mythological roots, Onam is also a celebration of Kerala’s rich agricultural traditions. It is a time of thanksgiving for the bounty of the harvest, symbolising prosperity, unity, and communal harmony. The festival is known for its grand feasts, known as Onasadya, floral decorations (Pookalam), traditional games (Vallamkali and tug-of-war), dances, and performances, bringing people together in a vibrant display of Kerala’s cultural and agricultural heritage.

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The vibrant Onam celebration in Mackay brought together families and friends for a day filled with colourful performances, traditional games, and a feast that fed over 300 people, reflecting the community's deep cultural pride and unity. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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