UAE Celebrates Onam in Grand Style at Onamamangam 2024

The Onamamangam 2024 event, held at the Sharjah Expo Center, witnessed a spectacular celebration of Onam, drawing in a record attendance of over 10,000 people. The festivities kicked off at 10:30 a.m., with the grand Onam Sadya, a feast featuring 27 traditional dishes, including three types of payasam, commencing at 11 a.m. This feast, catered by Calicut Notebook Restaurant, saw the participation of well-known personalities such as Tovino Thomas, Dabzee, Vidhu Prathap, Jyotsana, and Jassie Gift, adding star appeal to the already vibrant event.

The evening's entertainment reached its peak as famous Malayalam singers Vidhu Prathap, Jyotsana, and Jassie Gift took to the stage, alongside youth sensation Dabzee, who energized the crowd with his popular tracks. The musical sessions were complemented by performances from mimicry artist Siddique Roshan and DJ Jazzy Jay, ensuring the celebratory spirit lasted into the night. This musical extravaganza turned the event into one of the most electrifying live shows the UAE had ever experienced.

Tovino Thomas, who was specially honored for completing 50 films, received a heartfelt tribute. A dance mashup and a special video presentation celebrated his cinematic journey, followed by Tovino cutting a cake to mark this milestone. Overwhelmed by the gesture, Tovino expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am really moved by the love and affection shown by the organizers and the audience." He made a grand entrance, reciting his famous dialogue, "Aaradhakare, Shantharakuvin" ("Fans, calm down"), from the movie Thallumaala, and spent time interacting with his admirers.

Juby Kuruvilla, Managing Director of Equity Plus Advertising, acknowledged the expatriate community's role in the overwhelming success of Onamamangam 2024. He highlighted the enthusiastic turnout and appreciated the support from event sponsors and media partners, declaring, "The enthusiastic turnout has made Onamamangam the largest Onam celebration in the UAE."

In addition to the main festivities, the event offered traditional Onam activities like Uriyadi and a mega swing, alongside Lulu's game zone, and various brand stalls, enhancing the festive mood. Performances such as Shingari Melam, robotic elephant warriors, and Karakattam brought the essence of Onam alive. The spacious free parking facility at the Sharjah Expo Center was another highlight, accommodating the large number of attendees comfortably.

A significant aspect of Onamamangam 2024 was its charitable initiative towards the victims of the Wayanad landslide. Dr. CJ Roy, Chairman of Confident Group, announced the construction of five houses for the landslide victims, funded by Confident Group, Equity Plus Advertising, and Hit FM. Juby Kuruvilla confirmed that these homes would be handed over to the Kerala government, ensuring they reach those in need.

The event was supported by an impressive array of sponsors and partners, including Lulu as the title sponsor and Ujala Detergent as the presenting sponsor. The event also featured associate sponsors like Vatika and Green Wealth Neo Hair Lotion, with GRB Ghee as the powered-by sponsor, among other notable supporters. Media and production partners played a crucial role, with organizations like Dailyhunt, OneArabia, and Asianet News contributing to the event's success. Additionally, Hit 96.7 FM served as the radio partner, amplifying the festivities.

Onamamangam 2024 not only served as a grand celebration of Onam but also as a platform for community service, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and unity among the UAE's expatriate community. The event's successful organization and the enthusiastic participation of thousands underscored the vibrant cultural tapestry of the UAE, making it a landmark celebration.