General News
11 April, 2022
CELEBRATING EASTER AND VISHU with Malayali Association Cairns
THE Malayali Association Cairns organised a fundraiser for the South Indian community in Cairns through an event on Wednesday, April 13, highlighting the best of our backgrounds with an Easter and Vishu celebration that aims to unite all cultures.
The Easter Vishu event at St Andrew’s Catholic College Redlynch begins at 4 pm. There will be with a special appearance by Cairns Mayor Bob Manning, a magic show by Australia’s Got Talent finalist Josh Norbido, music, Bollywood dancers and a range of delicious and authentic South Indian dishes.
Member of the Malayali Association Jomcy Jose said that this was an opportunity to share the South Indian culture with the Cairns community.
“We are inviting all of the community,” Mr Jose said.
“Every year, we celebrate Vishu, and we hold it exclusively for the Indian community.
“So this year, we thought we would bring people from all backgrounds together in Cairns so they can experience our culture.
“There are no South Indian restaurants around Cairns; this is an opportunity for people to try authentic South Indian food, enjoy the music and the Bollywood dancing, and come together as a community.”
Mr Jose said that Vishu is an important celebration for the Indian community and sharing it with others helps them feel at home.
“We can’t go to India and celebrate there, but we can celebrate here with our families and friends and do what we used to when we were there,” he said.
“And we want people to know that there is a Malayali Association in Cairns that wants to support the South Indian community.”
Mr Jose said that the Easter Vishu event aims to connect Indian culture to other traditions and make everyone feel included while learning more about the Malayali community and their culture.
“We would like to invite everyone, and we welcome everyone so that they can experience our culture and also the homemade South Indian dishes that you can’t find anywhere else,” he said.
“People can get involved in this event, see our cultural program, and they may want to participate more.
“We have an illusionist, bands coming from Melbourne and Adelaide to perform and all sorts of dishes to try.”
Mr Jose said the funds raised in the event would support the South Indian community in Cairns struggling after COVID-19.
“We’ll help everyone we can, both here in Cairns and India,” Mr Jose said.
The event counts with the support and funding of the Queensland Government. The entry costs $30 for adults and $10 for children under 13.
