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29 March 2024

Dubai's mega Malayalee show: 460 dancers, including grandmas and teens

Women alumni from 60 colleges under the All Kerala Colleges Alumni Federation (ACKAF). (M Sathish)

Published
By By VM Sathish

A mega ‘thiruvathira’ - traditional Kerala dance form – was performed at the Etisalat Academy Ground on Friday night, bringing 460 dancers onstage for the unique performance.

Women alumni from 60 colleges under the All Kerala Colleges Alumni Federation (ACKAF) took part and claim this be the biggest such event held outside Kerala.

For ‘thiruvathira’ a group of women perform in circle surrounding a traditional lamp.

There is singing and clapping in unison as well with all dressed in the same traditional outfits, making for a spectacular show.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Akbar Paramel, coordinator for ACKAF, said the organisation planned the event a month in advance and the participants had been practicing at different locations, before a final rehearsal was held at the ground.

“The 450 females range in ages from 65 to 16 years. Normally, every cultural show of the Keralite community hosts a ‘thiruvathira’ dance, but this time we decided to organise a mega ‘thiruvathira’ to send a clear message for the need to have unity among the various community associations,” he said.

Choreographed by Sopanam Dance School, thousands of people watched the event, which was followed by a concert by Indian fusion artiste, Hariharan.