DAMMAM — The final ceremony of the two-month golden jubilee celebrations of Kerala Fest, which marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of Kerala, will be held at Prince Mohamed ibn Fahd Amusement Park in Dammam on Nov. 10. According to organizers, there will be a variety of cultural programs. The event is organized by Navodaya, a cultural organization of Indian expatriates from Kerala, in association with Dar Al-Sihha Dispensary.
Khaled Almaeena, editor in chief of Arab News, inaugurated the festivities on Sept. 8. In his opening address, Almaeena called for greater interaction between Saudis and expatriates through cultural organizations and NGOs and emphasized the need for removing the barriers that obstruct their close relations. T.K. Hamza, a member of the Indian Parliament, Sukumar Azheekode, a well-known intellectual and orator, and other Saudi and Indian personalities will participate in a cultural meeting to be held during the concluding ceremony, said Abdul Majeed Chathanveli, chairman of the Coordination Committee.
“There will be a drawing competition for children of sub- junior, junior, and senior levels,” he said, adding that selected drawings would be displayed at an exhibition to be staged on the occasion. (Interested participants may contact 0564151167 and 0507913369 to register their names for the contest).
Abdul Majeed said the exhibition would highlight Kerala’s history and development. “There will be pictures and information about freedom fighters, reformist leaders and ministers as well as pavilions promoting tourism in Kerala,” he explained. Visitors will receive detailed information about Kerala industries, educational institutions, airports, Ayurvedic treatment centers, traditional art and culture.
“We’ll also provide an opportunity for expatriate Indians to exhibit their paintings, drawings and handicrafts as well as their collections of stamps and currencies,” Abdul Majeed said. (Those who want to participate in this program may contact 0501244982 and 0501664800). The exhibition will also feature works of Keralite and Saudi writers.
“The Kerala Food Festival is another attraction,” said George Varghese, general secretary of Navodaya. “Those who want to participate in the food festival will get spaces in the exhibition hall to display and sell their food items,” he said. (Contact 0504947446 and 0508973407).
Speaking about other cultural programs, Varghese said there would be children’s group songs, traditional songs, light music, tableaux, and Saudi and Keralite folklore dances.
A coordination committee of mainstream social organizations in the Eastern Province has been formed in order to make the golden jubilee a grand success. The committee includes Muhammed Najathi, Ahmed Siddeek (Dar As-Sihha), P.A.M. Haris, K.M. Basheer, E.M. Kabeer (patrons), George Varghese (general convener), P.M. Najeeb, Abraham Mathew, Mujeeb Hassan (vice chairmen) and Ashraf Ali, Srinivas Amarambalam, Pradeep Poothatta, Shaji Manakkad and Shruthilaya (joint conveners).
