Keralese celebrate Onam festival in Whangarei

George Augustine lights a traditional lamp to kickstart Onam celebrations. Photo/Imran Ali

Kiwis joined Whangarei's south Indian Malayalee community during the annual Onam festival at Whangarei Boys' High School.

About 240 people turned up for the harvest festival and enjoyed a variety of dance events, food, and indoor games on Saturday. The vibrant and colourful festival is honoured at a state level in India.

Kerala is a popular tourist destination for its yoga, ayurvedic treatments and tropical greenery in south west India.

There are about 200 people from Kerala residing in Northland, with the bulk living in Whangarei.

Northern Advocate reporter Imran Ali took these photos.