Kiwis joined Whangarei's south Indian Malayalee community on the dance floor during the annual Onam festival at Forum North on Saturday evening.
![Deputy mayor Sharon Morgan and Onam festival convener Shaji Cherian begin the Onam programme with lighting of a traditional Malayalee lamp at Forum North.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/4RYB2F4CIF2JXHRTUV4OW4Y36I.jpg?auth=dbc60330c6d246bb80a9d961871a7ebcdff1f62dd04b47c1c7544013a31dcc95&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
More than 300 people, including deputy mayor of Whangarei Sharon Morgan, who was the leading guest, turned up for the harvest festival and enjoyed a variety of dance events, food, and indoor games. The vibrant and colourful festival is honoured at a state level in India.
![Ronel Shaji (left), Austin Soni, Rose Shaji, and Shweta Suresh prepare for their on-stage performance.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CHH44M6JOHRQJGCZSIKCD5CTAY.jpg?auth=d296afe4e081ba8855518adafe0910c21f3fc7df9300a9c10dfd1b5e53f9a7ce&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
Northern Advocate reporter Imran Ali was invited to the celebrations and took these photos.