The evening wore a festive air, adults and children in colorful garbs milled around, talking, catching up. The Kerala Association of New England sponsored Vasantholsavam a cultural program, which doubled as a talents show, giving artists, young and old, a chance to participate and display their abilities on stage.

In her welcoming speech, Veena Pillai, President, KANE, spoke about spring celebrations, Vishu, the traditional festival for the New Year for Keralites, Muharram , the opening month of Hijra, and Easter, the festival honoring rebirth. She also mentioned the significance of the intellectual and creative awakening of the community, calling for cyclical renewal.

From songs to dances, classical and folk, Tae Kwon do and Kung-fu demonstrations and even a hilarious Malayalam skit, the cultural program had something for everyone. The MC’s for the event were Sindhu Kunnenkeri, Yasmin Aminuddin and Anand George. Ms. Kunnenkeri and Mr. George kept the crowd in good spirits by conducting an impromptu quiz session while the stage was being set for longer acts. Kids and adults, no doubt fuelled by the promise of prizes, which came in the form of candy, answered questions pertaining to Kerala and India enthusiastically!

It was particularly heartening, for this reviewer to see very little children sing Malayalam songs with nary a trace of an American accent. Nostalgia overcame us as we listened to old Malayalam songs.

All were treated to a scrumptious snack of Idli, Vada, and Cake etc after the event. I caught up with Veena and her husband Om on my way out. Enthusiastically, they told me about the upcoming KANE sponsored event, Japapoga’, a star-studded Malayalam show featuring mimics, singers and film personalities. Japapoga, ‘Achayan Speaking from America’ is scheduled for May 31, at the Keefe Tech Auditorium in Framingham. Details can also be found at Kane_may31.tripod.com. A fun filled evening is assured.

Veena also noted that the Annual KANE picnic is on June 29, a hiking trip is planned in July and summer camps are on August 9, 10 and 11.

|