A rich harvest of fun!

THE Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) will mark the Onam harvest festival of Kerala with a nine-day cultural programme that will begin next month.
This year's celebration is entitled Sraavanam 2010, offering a variety of cultural programmes.
It will take place from 8pm every night from August 12 to 20 at the BKS in Segaiya.

The Onam harvest festival is celebrated by all Keralites irrespective of caste, creed or religion and symbolises prosperity, equality, unity and peace, said organisers.

This year's BKS cultural programme includes traditional plays, musical performances, visual presentations and solo folk dances.

This is in addition to traditional group dances such as the Thiruvathira, Oppana and Margam Kali forms; presented by Kerala Folklore academy vice-chairman Kuttappan Thiruvalla and his troupe, Samajam members and other Bahrain-based artistes.

Mr Thiruvalla and his troupe specialises in folkloric performances and presentations of traditional songs including the Naadan Paattukal.

The Samajam has also organised three traditional Onam competitions as the highlight of its festival celebration programme.

A Ghoshayathra procession contest will take place at 8pm on August 12, while an Athapookkalam floral display contest and a Thiruvathira traditional dance contest will take place at the same time the following day.

Associations, clubs and groups are being invited to sign up for the contests and cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to winners.

Registration is free and the deadline is August 1.

Entry forms are available at the BKS.

Contact programme convener Manoj Mathew on 39617735 for more information