The United Malayalees of Queensland Inc, an umbrella organisation of Keralites in Queensland, Australia, operating from Brisbane, is organising Kerala Fest 2023 at 44 Acacia Road, Karawatha QLD 4117, on Saturday 12th August 2023 during the festival season of Onam.

The three key features of the celebration are All Queensland Thiruvathira competition, Megathiruvathira dance with about 300 participants, and Vallasadya, a grand vegetarian feast with over 65 dishes.

An established Malayalam film actor, Manoj K. Jayan will officiate the function with his graceful presence along with several dignitaries from Brisbane.

Deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Kerala, the festival of Onam holds immense significance for the people of Kerala, the southern Indian state, as well as the Malayalee (People who have Malayalam as their mother tongue/natives of Kerala) community dispersed across the globe.

For the Keralites community residing outside Kerala, Onam acts as a cherished link to their cultural roots.

Despite being far away from their homeland, Keralites come together to celebrate Onam with great enthusiasm, showcasing their customs, traditions, and culinary delights. In these communities, Onam serves as a unifying force, fostering a sense of belonging and preserving their shared heritage.

Moreover, Onam emphasizes the spirit of giving and charity. Many charitable organizations and individuals take the opportunity to extend their help to the less fortunate during this festival.

Donations, contributions, and acts of kindness are abundant during Onam, reflecting the collective belief in uplifting the community and standing by those in need.

The highlight of the celebration this year will be the presentation of Megathiruvathira dance form with more than 300 participants from across the state. The guests will enjoy the largest vegetarian meal, Vallasadya, with more than 60 dishes served in one meal. The Megathiruvathira and Vallasadya will compete to enter the Australian national records on the day.