Navodaya Sydney has thanked the Malayalee community and supporters who helped make its Onam 2026 celebration one of its largest cultural gatherings of the year, with community leaders, guests and volunteers coming together for the event held on 2 August.
The celebration featured cultural performances, community activities and traditional Onam festivities, with NSW State Member for Granville Julia Finn MP attending as Chief Guest. Finn later shared that she was pleased to join Navodaya Sydney and the Malayalee community for the celebration and was delighted to reconnect with Beena from Bdesign Sarees, who had sold her the Kerala saree she wore to the event several years ago.
Navodaya Sydney thanked Finn for her presence and support, saying her participation added to the occasion and reflected the spirit of Onam. The organisation also acknowledged other guests, including O’Bray Smith, President of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, Michael Whaites, General Secretary of the association, actor and producer Shelvin Das, and Mahendran from Sydney Sri Durga Devi Devasthanam.
Organisers said the event was made possible through the efforts of volunteers, performers, judges, MCs, technical teams and photographers who contributed behind the scenes. They also recognised a range of business sponsors and supporting partners who assisted with the celebration.
Navodaya Sydney said it plans to continue organising cultural, educational and community-focused programs throughout the year, including free events designed to strengthen community connections across Sydney.
Onam is widely celebrated by Malayalee communities across Australia and internationally, with festivals often serving as an opportunity for cultural preservation, intergenerational engagement and community participation.
The organisation has invited members of the community to register for future activities and become involved in upcoming programs.
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