Onam celebrated in kohima

Onam, the biggest harvest festival of Malayalis was celebrated Saturday by hundreds of Malayalis at State Academy Hall, Kohima.
T.R. Zeliang, minister for planning and coordination, evaluation, veterinary and animal husbandry and parliament affairs, who graced the festival as chief guest acknowledge the contribution rendered by Malayalis in the field of education in Nagaland. Stating that Nagaland was low educationally and economically prior to its statehood, Zeliang credited the Malayalis for their efforts and services towards the growth and development of education in the state and also added they had contributed in overall development of the state as well.
He said that the celebration of Onam in Nagaland was a sign that Malayalis were attached to their culture and were culturally bonded besides asserting that cultural exchange programmes between diverse societies of the country would strengthen the bond of national integration.
Guest of honour, Naiba Konyak, parliamentary secretary, youth resources and sports and land revenue, also spoke at the occasion. Besides other dignitaries who spoke at the function include Vijayagopal, president SMK and T.R.S. Pillai, chairman, Onam Committee who highlighted the significance of Onam.
Following a legendary belief that the Onam festival is celebrated to welcome ‘King Mahabali’ who visits the people during Onam, a man dressed a ‘King Mahabali’ marked the significance of the festival during the celebration.
Recipient of state teacher award and a student were acknowledged for their meritorious feat in academic field. Organized by the Malayali Samajam Kohima (MSK), the celebration was marked by songs, dances and cultural programmes while Zoom Orchestra from Trivandrum, Kerala entertained the crowd with musical concert.