SEGAYYA: The Kerala Catholic Association (KCA) has officially announced its upcoming “Onam Ponnonam 2026” celebrations, a month-and-a-half-long cultural extravaganza set to run from August 21 to October 9, 2026.
KCA President James John unveiled the extensive lineup during a recent press briefing, confirming that the festivities will kick off on Friday, August 21, at 7:00 PM with traditional Kerala art forms at the KCA premises in Segayya. Organized under the leadership of Onam Celebrations Committee Chairman Jithin Jose and Vice Chairman George Sebastian, the 50-day celebration aims to bring Kerala’s rich cultural heritage to the Indian diaspora in Bahrain through a wide array of sporting, artistic, musical, and community events. Bahrain Financing Company (BFC) returns as the main sponsor for the event, continuing its long-standing partnership with the KCA, alongside support sponsor Galaxy Arabia Trading Co. W.L.L.
The festival schedule kicks off in late August with traditional art forms at the opening ceremony on August 21, followed by member-exclusive sports competitions on August 27 and September 5. An island-wide Tug-of-War competition with attractive cash prizes will take place on August 28, alongside a traditional Payasam contest. The cultural competitions continue into early September with an Onapattu music contest on September 3 and an Ona Pudava fashion event on September 4.
Mid-September features a Panchagusti arm-wrestling contest on September 10, leading into the centerpiece Onam tradition, the grand Ona Sadhya feast, on September 11 under the management of conveners Babu Varghese and Roy Joseph. Musical evenings titled “Sangeetha Sandhya” will be hosted by the KCA Music Team on September 12 and 17, with an international social drama staging featuring global artists also scheduled for September 17. The celebrations wrap up in October with an open Thiruvathira Kali competition on October 1, a Mega Fusion Dance show hosted by the KCA Ladies Wing on October 2 under convener Juliet Thomas and coordinator Elmy Wilson, and a grand closing ceremony on October 9 featuring visiting dignitaries from Kerala.
Several key events are open to the wider community, though advance registration is required. Interested participants for the Payasam contest on August 28 can contact Maria Jibi (+973 33283350) or Anu Jerish (+973 36364830), while Tug-of-War teams should reach Joby George (+973 39801678). Entries for Onapattu are managed by Linsy Mol Joseph (+973 33346234), and Ona Pudava entries can be made through Shainy Nithyan (+973 36692468) or Alin Joshi (+973 39398575). Arm wrestling participants can reach Joshi Vithayathil (+973 37373466) or Jerish Johny (+973 39153296), while Thiruvathira teams should contact Sangeetha Joseph (+973 39465464) or Jophy Jenson (+973 36792982).
For general event information, community members can contact Committee Chairman Jithin Jose (+973 38046995) or Vice Chairman George Sebastian (+973 39068393). Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Shaji Pazhiyoor (+973 39625351).