New York's Long Island to have a Kerala-style snake boat race this Onam: Here's how

Expats celebrate Kerala festivals better than Malayalis residing in their home state. Many non-resident Keralites often opine that the Onam celebrations abroad aren't restricted to just sadya and floral carpet, but are a lot more eventful with the inclusion of other traditional elements too. Of late, many Kerala associations across the world are also conducting events like the vallamkali aka snake boat race, theyyam and even age-old games like 'kalam thalli pottikkal' and 'pulikali.'

Subscribing to the trend, a Malayali association in the US has also planned some grand festivities this year. The New York Malayali Heritage Foundation has planned grand festivities, including a snake boat race, at Long Island on September 15, the Thiruvonam day. As part of it, a snake boat race would be conducted in the lake near Cow Meadow Park (701, South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520). Meanwhile, the verdant lawns of the park would also be the venue for the mega Onam celebrations. The foundation is already putting together the schedules for the boat race and making the necessary arrangements. Other than the boat race, traditional festivities like vadamvali (tug of war), pulikali, chendamelam (traditional percussion) and athappoovu (floral carpets) would also be held on Thiruvonam da at the Cow Meadow Park. The foundation also hopes to serve elaborate Onasadya on the day.

For details contact:
Ajith Abraham (Kochoos): 516 – 225 – 2814
Biju Chacko: 516 – 996 – 4611
Philip Madathil: 917 – 459 – 7819
Mathewkutty Easow: 516 – 455 – 8596
Kunju Malayil: 516 – 503 - 8082