Eighteen contestants competed in traditional regalia at the ‘Eenam’ cultural festival organized by Nmmade Thrissur Events.
AJMAN, UAE —Mavelikkara native Arun Parthan took first prize in a first-of-its-kind ‘Maveli contest’ held during the ‘Eenam’ Onam cultural festival at Habitat School in Al Tallah, Ajman, organizers confirmed.
Eighteen participants from across the United Arab Emirates took the stage dressed as King Mahabali, the mythical ruler central to the harvest festival of Onam. The pageant formed the centerpiece of a day-long community celebration hosted by community group Nmmade Thrissur Events.
Contestants were assessed on costume authenticity, stage presence, demeanor, and how effectively their performances communicated the cultural ethos of Onam. Chandradev Kunnampilly from Kottayam secured second place, while Gopakumar Menon from Triprayar finished third. The ‘Viewers’ Choice’ award went to Chakkara Anoop from Aranmula-Vallana.
The festivities opened at 9:00 AM with a traditional procession and concluded at 7:00 PM. The schedule featured cultural stage acts, regional art forms, and a community Onam feast (Onasadya).
First Lieutenant Obaid Jamal Al Rumaithi of the Ajman Civil Defence attended as chief guest. Mohammed Mohsin Ali Odah, chairman of the Ghaith Al Emarat Volunteering Team, joined civic and community figures to present prizes to the winners. Broadcast partner Home FM was also honored during the presentation ceremony.
Organizers designed the competition to connect younger expatriates with Kerala’s traditional performance styles, General Convener Vinod Kumar said, noting that introducing a structured Maveli competition was a first for their annual Onam program.
Program Convener Manoj Sharada Krishnan coordinated stage productions alongside Nmmade Thrissur executive leadership, including President Dinesh Babu, General Secretary J.K. Guruvayur, and Treasurer Vimal Kesavan. The event concluded with a stage set by entertainer DJ BooBu.
