Indian Onam celebration gets great support in Waterford
Pictured at the Onam Indian celebration in Waterford. Pic: An Garda Síochána Waterford FB
Warterford Gardaí expressed delight recently at being invited to celebrate Onam, the South Indian harvest festival.
In an online post the Gardai stated: 'We are happy to be able to strengthen the relationships forged between our communities.'
Onam, the Malayalam harvest festival, was celebrated in Waterford in 2025 by the Dungarvan Malayali Association and the St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church.
The celebrations involve traditional food and exquisite floral arrangements with special meals also cooked as part of the event.
The Dungarvan Malayali Association's event in Dungarvan was held on September 6, and it included a special music performance by Dublin Voice. Ballygunner was the location for another celebration of the festival and it was attended by a number of high-profile local people including public representatives Cllr Eamon Quinlan, Minister John Cummins and Cllr Declan Barry along with the Gardaí.
The event in Dungarvan was attended by Deputy Conor McGuinness who expressed delight at being able to attend.
Speaking at the event he said it was an honour to join in the event.
"Kerala and Ireland may be small on the map, but both are global in spirit," said Deputy McGuinness.
"Our peoples share values that run deep: education, hospitality, justice, resilience, and community spirit," he added.
"These are the values that have carried us across the world, and they are the values that sustain us today."
In the Indian language he also commented: "Ningalude samuham Waterfordil oru valiya shakthiyaanu. [Your community is a great strength here in Waterford.]" and he said the Malayalee community is warmly welcomed in the Déise.
"You enrich our society through your work, your enterprise, your culture, and your values," said Deputy McGuinness.
"Many of you serve on the frontlines of our health system as nurses, doctors, and carers," he added.
"Others work in engineering, technology, and the life sciences. In every field you bring service and professionalism, and our community is stronger because of it."
The Malayali community in Waterford is noted for its significant contributions to the health system and other sectors, enriching the local society.
The intricate floral designs during the festival celebration are designed to welcome King Mahabali, who is believed to visit his people during this time.
