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ShareAhmedabad, Ahmedabad: Come Sunday and you will get a glimpse into the culture of God's own country, without having to visit Kerala. For, Malayalees from across the state will come together at the 44th Keralotsavam to be held on November 29 at Shree Narayana Cultural Mission Ground in Ahmedabad.
The cultural event, which will also have competitions, is being organised by the Federation of Gujarat Malayalee Associations (FEGMA). The event is being hosted jointly by Ahmedabad Kerala Samajam and DNA. The Samajam, established in 1945, (more than a decade before the official formation of Kerala state), has 15 wards representing Malayalees from in and around the city.
"When Keralites migrated to Gujarat, they brought with them their love for art, culture and literature. Later all Malayalees came together to form various associations like Kerala Samajams and thus FEGMA came into being," said VM Mohanan Nambiar, president, Ahmedabad Kerala Samajam.
Babu Ezhumavil, editor of Ahmedabad Kerala Samajam newsletter said that Kerala was the first ever state in India to own a transport system, printing press, a bank and
a university, thanks to the King of Travancore (one of the three states united to form Kerala). The associations individually and under FEGMA umbrella conduct various competitions and activities to help people from the community showcase their talent.
Keralotsavam is one such meet. "Their will be competition among various Malayalee associations. The best one will get an award and the Samajam will be given the overall prize," said C Gireesan, general secretary, Ahmedabad Kerala Samajam.
Apart from the competition, visitors can also get to taste South Indian delicacies. "A mammoth crowd is expected to turn up for the event. The event will showcase the music and traditional dances reflecting Kerala's culture," said Babu Ezhumavil, editor of Ahmedabad Kerala Samajam newsletter.
Many central and state dignitaries and eminent people from the Malayalam film industry and field of literature are expected to take part in the event. "The celebration will start as early as 8.00 am and will last till late night," said Nambiar.
"You cannot separate a Malayalee from his culture. We live in Gujarat but cherish our culture yet are on brotherly terms with the natives of Gujarat," said Ezhumavil.
