Onathanima ’09, a united Onam celebration of the Malayalees in Kuwait, turned out to be a grand celebration for the non-resident Malayalees at the Central School Open Ground, Abassiya on 16th October, 2009. As in the past five years, the star attraction of the celebration was National Tug O’ War; the fifth National Championship fought for the San Celia Ever Rolling Gold Trophy was won by Team Abbassiya defeating Kannur Association team in a fierce battle.

First runners up Kannur Association team and Second runners up Challengers C were presented with Blue Line ever rolling trophy and Jiju memorial ever rolling trophy respectively. Thrissur Association team achieved Aji John memorial trophy for best performance. Special prizes of Air ticket to Dubai and two days stay in a Five Star Hotel sponsored by Gulf Mart for best front and back pullers are awarded to Mr. Rajesh(Friends of Kannur team)and Mr. Jiju Varghese(Team Abbassya team) respectively.

In the Inter-school girls’ tug of war contest, Indian Central School teams reached in the first two places. Earlier, Onathanima was inaugurated by H.E. Ajai Malhotra, the Ambassador of India to Kuwait, while the Tug O’ War Contest was flagged off by Lt. Col. Nada Abdullah Al Uthaibi. Along with the Ambassador, Raghunathan Nair, Mr. Pancily Varkey, Rev. Fr George Kottappuram, and Santa Maria James lighted the traditional lamp in the inaugural ceremony. Jacob Varghese, General Convenor, Onathanima 09, presided over the function.

The inaugural function was blessed by the presence of other dignitaries and eminent personalities from different walks of life. The zest of the Malayalee community for art and culture was praised by the Ambassador. As a token of love the Ambassador was

presented with a portrait of his done by the celebrated Malayalee artist Mr. John Arts. Malayil Moosakoya was honoured on the occasion by presenting his portrait designed by John Arts. Ambassador Ajai Malhotra presented him the portrait. Lef. Col. Nada Abdullah AL Uthaibi, Hassan Thikody, Jose BEC and Adv. John Thomas spoke on the occasion. Hidine Thomas translated Col. Nada’s speech. Prof. John Mathew welcomed the gathering and Shaji Varghese proposed a vote of thanks. Babuji Bathery was the master of ceremonies.

Commencing the inaugural ceremony, cultural procession and March past of tug of war teams were taken place. The procession that highlighted with Mahabali, Thalappoli, Chenda Melam, Muthukuda, Theyam, Kavadi, Karakattom, Pulikali and elephant figure with caparison turned into a visual banquet. Philip J Panicjar, Rose Kattukallil, Shaji Nagaroor, Skaria John, Thomas Kattanam, Jins, Aby Adoor, Stephen Benjamin and Maju Karippal led the procession.

On the occasion, Onathanima, Souvenir that carried the directory of the Kuwait Malayalee Associations was released by T.A. Remesh (Country Head, Gulf Mart). Besides, the function also paid tributes to the eminent cultural and social personalities of Kerala and also to those people who tragically lost their lives at Thekkady Boat Tragedy in Kerala.

The audience along with the guest of honour paid their obeisance to the depart souls by offering flower at the specially constructed altar where the portraits of the greats and news paper cuttings of the victims of the boat accident were displayed.

To provide more entertainment to the public, a musical programme also was held. It was led by Manoj Mavelikara Shyju Pallippuram and Sunil K. Cherian supported by well known musicians in Kuwait like Neelima, Poornima, Rafi, Basheer (Key Board), Johnson (Guitar) Jabbar (Rhythm Pad), Iqbal (Thabala) and Nixon George (Drums).

The traditional food stalls also was a big crowd puller.

The Tug O’ War contest conducted by Thanima, an organization that exists for the human and nostalgic interaction of the Malayalees Abroad, has been approved by the international federation of Tug O’ War (TIFW). This Thanima Tug O’War contest is the only one that is held in the whole of Kuwait. With the international recognition that has come its way in the fifth year, Thanima plans it to take to other GCC countries. The championship which was organised as per the rules of Tug of War International Federation was controlled by D.K Dileep as chief referee and Ramesh Kumar as an associate member of referee panel. Adv. John Thomas was the Chairman, Jury of Appeal. Sports convenors Aby Paul coordinated all the arrangements for the championship.

In the raffle draw Coupon Nos. 1430, 0198, 0186, 2936, 3014, 1035 & 3126 won the prizes first to seventh respectively.

The trophies, prize money and certificates were distributed by Jacob Thomas, Sabu . K. Peter, Jojimon Thomas, Somu Mathew, Raju Zacharia, Kaippattor Thankachan, Thomas Panickar, Mohd Riaz, Sathar Kunnil, Sheejo Philip and Iqbal Kuttamangalam

The celebrations were conducted in a brig-shaped stage which was designed by Biju John Kattikulam and Sajeesh Onathanima has become an integral part of Kuwait Malayalees Onam celebration, a fact proved by the huge audience including family members that comes to watch this battle-like contest. The participation of about 18 teams along with two women’s team added colour to the spectacular event.