Staff members at the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, responsible for Northwick Park in Harrow, came together to celebrate the Onam Festival, the Indian cultural event celebrated by Malayalis hailing from the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Among those who participated in the festivities was Rajni Puthuppallymattathil, an intensive care nurse at the LNWH Trust Hospital in Sudbury. Rajni, along with her colleagues, showcased their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage by performing a traditional dance called Thiruvathira during the Onam Festival celebrations.
This remarkable display of cultural pride was made possible through months of diligent practice, with the hospital car park serving as their rehearsal space. Gifty Anoop, a fellow nurse and a mentor to the group, offered guidance and encouragement as they perfected their dance moves.
Rajni Puthuppallymattathil demonstrated her artistic talents by crafting an extraordinary costume for the occasion, showcasing her remarkable skills beyond the confines of the hospital ward.
The Onam Festival is a significant cultural event celebrated by Malayalis worldwide, particularly those originating from the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and a time of cultural significance, marked by grand feasts, traditional dances, and elaborate flower arrangements known as ‘Pookalam.’
Families come together to create a sense of togetherness, and it holds immense importance for the Malayali community.
