Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is much more than a celebration — it is a cultural phenomenon steeped in history, tradition, and togetherness. Celebrated with immense enthusiasm across the southern state of Kerala, Onam brings people from all walks of life together in a vibrant display of unity and cultural pride. This year, Onam 2024 has been an even more special occasion for CSS Group, marking not only the essence of Kerala’s rich heritage but also key milestones and partnerships in the UAE.
CSS Group, celebrating 30 years of excellence, was proud to be the Associate Sponsor of AKCAF Association’s PonnonaKazhcha 2024, held at the prestigious World Trade Center, Dubai, on September 15th. AKCAF, a Community Development Authority-approved association under the Government of Dubai, represents the college alumni from Kerala, India. Over the years, CSS Group has maintained a strong partnership with AKCAF through various events and volunteer activities, demonstrating the company’s deep-rooted support for cultural preservation and community development.
The PonnonaKazhcha event, filled with the spirit of Onam, was a grand spectacle featuring a traditional Onasadhya (feast), colorful processions, and various cultural competitions. One of the highlights of the event was AKCAF’s thoughtful initiative of inviting 26 deserving mothers from Kerala to Dubai, where they were honored for their contributions. The effort to provide these mothers with a memorable Dubai experience is praiseworthy, embodying the Onam values of care, sharing, and equality—core principles that the CSS Group proudly supports.
On the same day, Alappuzha Jilla Pravasi Samajam (AJPS) hosted “Alappuzholsavam Season 4” at Safari Mall, Sharjah, further extending the Onam spirit across the UAE. The event saw an overwhelming turnout of over 1,000 attendees and featured a vibrant cultural program inaugurated by leading film actress Shwetha Menon. AJPS, which originated during the Covid-19 pandemic to support the distribution of medicines, PPEs, and emergency items, has since grown into a familiar name in the UAE for its extensive social activities and charitable efforts.
Another highlight of the Onam celebrations was the highly anticipated pookkalam competition hosted by the CSS Group. The vibrant and intricate floral arrangements, made entirely of natural flower petals, showcased the creativity and dedication of the employees. The winners of the CSS Group’s 2024 pookkalam competition were RELOCATIONS (1st), CSS AUH (2nd) and CSLC (3rd)
The pookkalam designs were a testament to the artistic talent within the CSS Group and reflected the essence of Onam—a time to cherish cultural heritage, foster community spirit, and create lasting memories.
The event included a grand vegetarian feast known as the “Onam Sadhya”. It was one of the main highlights of the festival. Served on banana leaves, the Sadhya consisted of an elaborate array of dishes representing Kerala’s rich culinary diversity. Traditional games, known as “Onakalikal,” added excitement and joy to the celebrations. Games like Tug-of-War (Vadam Vali), folk dances (Thumbi Thullal), and pot-breaking (Uriyadi) fostered camaraderie and healthy competitions, allowing participants to immerse themselves in Kerala’s time-honored traditions.
At its heart, Onam celebrates unity, gratitude, and cultural pride. This year, the festivities not only brought together communities in Kerala and the UAE but also underscored the core values that Onam stands for—oneness and equality. CSS Group’s continued support for such events highlights its commitment to cultural preservation and community building in the UAE.
Our Judges
