(Image source from: Arizona Malayalee’s Christmas)

The Arizona Malayalees celebrated Christmas and New Year with pomp and colour to its true spirit!

All members of the community came together to put up the show with all gaiety, by decking the halls to cooking up a storm.  There was much to be done and without all the volunteers, this would not have happened. These were the people who have put their might for arranging the hall, decorating with the true Christmas spirit, cooking and serving the food and then going up there on stage to give rocking performances.

Members of the sister organizations came in number extended support. Shri MuruganPadam of the Indo-American Foundation, made it a point to be present and encourage.

There is cheer - the joy of the season came through the carolers, the wonderful performances by our very own members. Starting the evening with a beautiful prayer, the programs covered the entire gamut - instrumental holiday music, dance solos, group dances, et al, that set the hands clapping and feet stamping. More than one hundred local artists showcased their talent.

Adding to the season's magic was our resident magician Satheesh Padmanabhan, wowing the audience with his mesmerizing tricks!

There is harmony - all came together to enjoy the best of the season with their friends and family. Father George Ettuparayil of the Syro Malabar Church was one of the chief guests. His Christmas message ably captured, what the season is all about.

Then there is the  joy - the joy of being in the community, the joy of being able to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, the joy of being able to welcome Shrimati Vinduja Menon - well known for her role in Pavithram with Superstar Mohanlal and her work in many popular Malayalam movies and television serials. Since she was visiting her family in the area, she graciously consented to be our chief guests along with her husband and daughter. Herself a singer and dancer, she lauded the performers for their effort and enthusiasm. We felt ourselves honored to be able to recognize the members of our community who had just graduated this year - from high school or college.  

All good events end with a feast - and this was no exception. Once again our experts and the supporting cast managed another awesome Christmas dinner. Peace rounded up the season - Baby Jesus was welcomed, Santa paid his visit and another successful revelry came to an end.

With the promise of another beautiful season, we bid adieu goodbye to 2015 by remembering all the Happiness and Prosperity, it gave and welcomed 2016 with full enthusiasm Hoping lots of LOVE and PROSPERITY!

The cultural programs were coordinated by the Arizona Malayalees cultural secretary, SajithThaivalappil. Jose Vadakara, the President of the association, introduced the guests to the audience. Rashmi Menon and Siva Kailash were the Emcees for the event.  Sreekumar Nambiar and Baiju Thomas prepared the delicious Christmas feast for the community.  Arizona Malayalees committee members,  Jayan Nair, Joseph Vadakkel, Prakash Mundackal, VidyaWarrier,   Binu Thankachan, Vinu Thomas, Manju Nair and Bala Ravindran coordinated the event.