M.A.U.K. Ponnonam 2025 Unites Generations Through Culture and the London Mayor’s Community Weekend

The Malayalee Association of the UK (M.A.U.K.) hosted its flagship Onam celebration, M.A.U.K. Ponnonam 2025, on Saturday 13 September at Eastbury Community School, Barking. With the London Mayor’s Community Weekend forming part of the programme, the festival brought together diverse communities and generations to share Kerala’s culture and celebrate the true spirit of Onam.

Unity Festival: A Day of Colour and Community

The morning session featured the Unity Festival, a free community event supported by the London Mayor’s Community Weekend initiative. Visitors enjoyed cultural activities including a Chenda workshop led by M.A.U.K.’s own Chenda students and a Kalaripayattu workshop delivered by the tutor and students of M.A.U.K.’s Kalari class. A traditional athappookkalam (floral carpet) was created by M.A.U.K. volunteers, while guests also enjoyed henna artistry and sampled a mini onasadhya, Kerala’s festive feast.

The Unity Festival was not only a showcase of Kerala’s traditions, but also a platform to empower youth volunteers, who played an active role in supporting and coordinating activities throughout the day. This ensured that young people were at the heart of the event, gaining confidence and a closer connection to their heritage.

The festival welcomed people from all backgrounds, creating an atmosphere of learning, sharing and celebration that reflected the true spirit of Onam.

M.A.U.K. Ponnonam 2025 Highlights: Performances and Concert

The evening celebrations began with Chinganilavu: The Onam Musical, a stage production that brought to life the joy and togetherness of Onam through a creative renaissance of its traditions and games. Blending music, theatre and playful storytelling, the production reimagined the festive spirit for today’s audiences while staying rooted in the warmth of Onam celebrations.

The stage also featured dynamic dance performances by acclaimed UK-based performers and a striking Kalaripayattu display, adding depth and variety to the programme.

The celebration closed with a concert by playback singer Manjari, joined by her accomplished team of musicians and accompanied by Zee Kerala Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Season 2 winner, Sayanth S. Together they presented a programme of film favourites, soulful ghazals and contemporary songs, which had the audience clapping and singing along. The blend of Manjari’s powerful vocals, Sayanth’s rising talent and the live band’s rich sound created a memorable finale to the evening.

The event was anchored by popular television presenter, Meera Anil, whose professionalism and stage presence gave the evening an added sparkle. With her engaging introductions and confident flow, she brought together the performances and kept the audience connected throughout — making her one of the standout figures of the night.

Recognising Community Excellence

The evening also marked the launch of the inaugural M.A.U.K. Awards 2025, created to celebrate individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to the community. The awards were presented across nine categories, with winners ranging from community champions and volunteers to business leaders, educators and cultural ambassadors. A full report on the award recipients will be published separately.

The evening further included the launch of M.A.U.K.’s community raffle in support of the “Ride for Our Elders” campaign, a fundraising drive to purchase a community vehicle that will help less mobile elders stay connected, active and involved in community life. The raffle was generously supported by raffle prize sponsors Adam Short Stay, DeNova Solicitors and Chai Kadai Restaurants.

Words from the Chair

Sreejith Sreedharan, Onam Coordinator and M.A.U.K. Chairperson, said:

“Ponnonam 2025 was not just a festival, but a living example of what M.A.U.K. stands for — true oneness and togetherness. For over five decades, we have brought people together across generations, creating a space where culture, heritage and community flourish hand in hand.”

Community Partnerships and Support

The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of main sponsors Swayam Property Services, Neil Travel and Tours, Law & Lawyers Solicitors, Adams Short Stay, Global Study Link, Life Line and Chai Kadai Restaurants. The event also recognised Chai Kadai Restaurants as the official catering partner, with additional support from co-sponsors Aham, Sam Travels and Kerala Delights.

Looking Ahead

M.A.U.K. plans to build on the success of Ponnonam 2025 by continuing to strengthen community partnerships, expand cultural events and ensure that the M.A.U.K. Awards become an annual tradition recognising excellence across generations.

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