The Island’s Indian community celebrated two days of Onaa Vesham, organised by the IW Malayalee Association over the weekend. The festival is a celebration by residents of the Kerala state of India, equivalent to Christmas.

Ashly Jaison, from the association, organised the event, with the help of former Mayor of Sandown, Rajesh Patel.

Rajesh said: “Onam is the harvest festival of southern part of India, Kerala. It is a celebration of joy and togetherness. Onam is believed to be the return of King Mahabali visiting his kingdom. It is a 10-day celebration, starting on Atham and finishes on Thiruovanam. A celebration which brings people together.”

The fun and games started at the Victoria Recreation Ground, Newport, on Friday afternoon with a traditional costume contest, tug-of-war, cultural programme and cricket competition.

On Friday evening, at the Mayfair Hotel, Shanklin, the association welcomed Sujit Ghosh, Deputy High Commissioner of India, who was visiting the Island for the first time, and also took in a trip to The Needles.

East Wight MP, Joe Robertson, Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Brigadier Maurice Sheen, High Sheriff, Ian Biss, Sandown South councillor, Ian Ward, and consultant, Mr Rameshbabu Singh, were among those who attended an evening of music, dancing and dining while being dressed in traditional costume.

The entertainment included Bollywood songs, from Mr Singh, and some traditional dancing by dentist, Dr Parita Patel. The party was attended by other doctors and prominent members of the Asian community.

Then on Saturday, members of the Asian community working for the Island’s NHS Service including doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff were at the Riverside Centre for more celebrations.

More than 400 people attending four sittings of food, eating from traditional banana leaves.