County and town officials joined members of Nassau County’s Indian community during their Onam Celebration last month. Onam is the biggest and most important festival of the state of Kerala in India. According to popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the 10-day long festival. Among the honorees who were presented with citations at this year’s Onam Celebration were Benjamin George, Rev. Fr. John Alummoottil, Cemat Shaji, Cherian Maharaja, Dr. Annamma Zchariah, Rosy John and Mariamma John.