Kannur: Until Tuesday, Onam was alien to the 25 tribal families at the Nelliyadi colony in Kottiyur grama panchayat in Kannur. On Tuesday, they experienced the joy and togetherness of Onam as a dozen members of Kiwis Club Thalassery tread the forest and reached to them to celebrate the harvest festival. They served Onam Sadya and distributed 'Onakkodi' besides engaging in different playful activities.
“Kiwis has been celebrating Onam among the marginalised sections of the society for the past 15 years.
More than this programme, we are planning to roll out children-centric welfare programmes in the colony,” said Mohammad Shoaib Parakkat, its core committee member.
Though the colony people were reluctant to mingle with the ‘outsiders’ in the beginning, they slowly joined the team accompanied by music and dance.
They presented different songs about Onam, memories of Onam and various ancient games associated with the festival.
Tribals who spoke on the occasion were aggrieved at lack facilities including drinking water, proper shelter and transportation.
Thalassery municipality vice chairperson Najma Hashim inaugurated the event. Kottiyur grama panchayat president Indira Sreedharan, N.C. Chacko and Vijuth Kumar were present.
