MANAMA: The Bahrain Kerala Samajam (BKS) successfully organized ‘Ruchimela 2026’ as part of its ongoing ‘Shravanam 2026’ Onam celebrations, drawing an overwhelming response from the community. Around 5,000 visitors attended the event, which ran from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Designed to showcase Kerala’s rich culinary diversity to the diaspora in Bahrain, the festival featured food stalls representing regional delicacies from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. The massive turnout across various food counters highlighted the event’s widespread popularity.
A special gathering organized alongside the food festival added prestige to the evening. Prominent figures including senior BKS member C. P. Varghese, Rahim Vavakunju, Sachin Stephen, Rupesh, Abin, Suresh, Dr. Rahul Abbas, Dr. Davis, Adv. V. K. Thomas, Dr. Babu Ramachandran, New Indian School Principal Dr. Gopinath Menon, Indian School Board Secretary Raja Pandian, and Almoyeed Contracting CEO Lohidas were among the distinguished guests present.
The evening featured a vibrant line-up of entertainment. A musical performance by Anju Joseph and team captivated the audience, complemented by engaging presentations from the Raj Kalesh and Hareesh Menon duo. A live painting session by Ajay Ghosh and a cross-generational flash mob led by Ramya Binoj further enriched the cultural experience.
The BKS organizing committee commended Convener Vinod Uthaman, Joint Conveners Ajitha Rajesh, Jomson, Joji Jacob, and Ashokan A. K. for their leadership and efforts in executing the event. BKS President Radhakrishna Pillai, General Secretary Varghese Karakkal, Shravanam Convener Harikrishnan B. Nair, Exco-Officio Rajeev P. Mathew, and section conveners provided overall guidance. The organizing team expressed gratitude to sponsors, stall owners, performers, media representatives, and volunteers, concluding the event with an award presentation for the best food stalls.