|
|
Hastings Malayalee Cultural Association (HMCA)
Up
Hastings Malayalee Cultural Association (HMCA)
Hastings is a south-eastern town of England. It is situated on the sea side
with a lot of historical values. Malayalees from different parts of Kerala work
here at different positions. Hastings Malayalees lead a reasonable good and enjoyable life but
had the problem of not having opportunities to uplift our great Kerala
traditions. The formation of HMCA is mainly due to this. As a start, HMCA had a
colorful Onam celebration. Guests from Hastings Council were also present
together with its members. High recommendations from our guest were great
encouragement together with media support locally and from home. Onam program
started with Pookkalam. Colorful pookalam reminds everybody home and those Onam
days in Keralam. Nilavilakku was lit by two elder mothers which denoted the
beginning of the celebrations. Various competitions for children ladies and men
were exciting. Separate but exciting tug of war was the highlight in this area.
HMCA conducted many traditional competitions. HMCA had a fantastic Onam Sadya
which was prepared by HMCA's own lady members at different houses. Visitors and guests
highly commended about HMCA's traditional vegetarian Onam sadya. Executive
committee for Hasting Malayalee Cultural Association was elected after the Onam
sadya. The afternoon session was mainly for stage program. Various Kerala items
were performed on stage. Dances, Mahabali, solos, comedy dance, kitchen dance,
and vallam kali are some of the items we had on stage. The stage program was
concluded by a ganamela organised by HMCA. Onam celebrations were held on the
23rd of September 2006 at Concordia Hall, Hastings. Pookkalam started at 9am and
the whole days event came to an end at 6.30pm. Keralites live here had a lot of
fun and immense enjoyment through the day. HMCA is specially invited for a
multi-cultural event on 7th October 2006 at Sussex Hall, Whiterock Theatre,
Hastings. The program is organized by the Council. HMCA association is registered
with Hastings council and thanks for all supports provided by Hastings Council.
-Information and Photos by Mr. Shaji Thomas, Chairman-HMCA,
shajit8888@tiscali.co.uk or myhmca@hotmail.co.uk
|
|
