by Hari

How will the Gods reward you if you are a compassionate king and the epitome of generosity?

They become insecure and plot to remove you from the throne. This is what happened to Mahabali, an asura (demon) king.

There is more to this legend than meets the eye, but to cut a long story short, King Mahabali is banished to the netherworld, and allowed to check on his subjects’ welfare once a year.

Cutting across artificial lines of caste, creed, colour and religion, the people of Kerala, a lush, green state in South India, welcome King Mahabali’s annual return with a celebration of extraordinary beauty and gaiety called Onam, a harvest festival.

The Keralite diaspora in HCM City have established their own tradition of celebrating the festival, which enters its 10th edition this year.

On Saturday, September 24, Onam@Saigon presents a vibrant variety entertainment show of music, dance and stand-up comedy featuring famous singers, actors, other artistes and chefs from Kerala.

Those taking to the stage this year include Nandu, an actor who leads a team of gifted, award winning professional singers like Sudeep Kumar, Pradeep Babu & Akhila Anand. Their supporting cast includes Indian & Vietnamese dancers who will perform both classical and Bollywood dances.

As ever, a unique traditional feast called Onasadhya will be one of the highlights of the Onam celebrations.

True to the Onam tradition of spreading goodwill and cheer, Onam@Saigon will raise funds for helping a school for special children upgrade its IT facilities.

This year, Onam@Saigon will be held on Saturday, 24 September 2016 from 5.30 PM onwards at: 272 Convention Center, 272, Vo Thi Sao Street, District 3, HCMC.

Tickets for the event can be bought from the INCHAM office, Room 103, Seaprodex Building,1st Floor, 2-4-6, Dong Khoi Street,District 1. They can also be ordered by hone - 08 3823 8132 or email at onam.saigon@gmail.com.