Staff and residents at Frank Foster House Care Home, part of Runwood Homes Group, came together to celebrate Onam, the traditional harvest festival from Kerala in South India. The celebration was led by staff members Binduja and Byju, who wanted to share their cultural traditions with colleagues and residents.
Onam is one of the most significant festivals in Kerala, marking the annual visit of the legendary King Mahabali and celebrating abundance and unity. The festivities are well-known for their vibrant flower carpets (Pookalam), traditional feasts (Onam Sadhya served on banana leaves), music, and dance.
At Frank Foster House, the celebrations included creating beautiful flower decorations to symbolise welcoming the new year. Residents and staff joined together to share in the cultural traditions, food, and joyful spirit of the occasion.
Binduja, who helped organise the celebration, said:
“I am happy to celebrate Onam with my colleagues and residents. I made the flower beds as a way to welcome the new year; it means a lot to share this tradition here.”
Home Manager Nicolas Kee Mew added:
“Events like this are so important because they celebrate diversity and give us all a chance to learn, connect, and enjoy traditions from around the world. Onam is about joy and togetherness, and it was wonderful to see that spirit here today.”
