By Vinod Raghavan*
Vijayan’s Gulf Tour Strengthens Diaspora Ties in Oman
Muscat: The Indian Community Festival, a flagship annual celebration of Indian culture in Oman, is all set to light up Amerat Park, Muscat, from October 23 to 25. This year’s edition is particularly special with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan attending the event for the first time as the Chief Guest. The festival draws thousands from the large, deep-rooted Malayali diaspora and other Indian communities across Oman, underscoring their longstanding cultural and social presence in the Sultanate.
Welcoming the occasion at a packed press briefing today, Wilson George, Chairman of the Kerala Wing of the Indian Social Club (ISC) Oman, expressed the pride and honour felt by the Malayali community. He said, “It is a big honour and a proud moment, especially for expats from Kerala, that for the first time a state Chief Minister from India will be visiting this beautiful Sultanate of Oman.” This visit not just highlights Kerala’s cultural bonds with Oman, but reinforces the strong connections the diaspora continues to uphold.
Veteran journalist Bino Puthen Purackal reminisced about a similar milestone in 1999 when the late E.K. Nayanar, the then Chief Minister of Kerala, made his visit to Oman. “I was fortunate to be present then as a young reporter and was mesmerised by his humility and sharp wit,” said Purackal. CM Vijayan’s visit is notable as the first after the formation of the ISC’s various linguistic wings, including Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindi, which along with the Kerala Wing together amplify the unity among Oman’s Indian expatriates.
The festival organisers have established a 60-member committee, chaired by Wilson George — who is also a member of the Loka Kerala Sabha and a Director Board Member of the Pravasi Welfare Fund. Ajayan Poyyara, Convenor of the ISC Kerala Wing, handles overall coordination, with K.K. Sunil Kumar serving as Vice Chairman.
Over 700 artistes are set to perform across three days, with the theme “Be Humane, Let Peace Prevail,” promoting a message that transcends borders. Besides a vibrant showcase of Indian art forms, traditional Omani dance performances will also enrich the programme. The fest, free and open to the public from 5 pm to 11 pm daily, is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors, creating a significant logistical challenge which organisers and volunteers are preparing extensively to meet.
One of the festival’s standout events this year will be the concert by ‘Kanal,’ a Kerala-based music band known for drawing enthusiastic audiences, as highlighted by ISC member Jagadeesh Keeri. Alongside, the Muscat Science Fest (MSF), featuring a science exhibition and competition for students from Indian and international schools, continues its tradition. Sunil Kumar, Vice Chairman, said the MSF has been growing in popularity with noted scientist and science communicator Ratheesh Krishna as this year’s chief guest. Attractive prizes await winners, fostering scientific curiosity among the youth.
The festival’s inauguration by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is eagerly awaited. Distinguished guests from Oman include Lulu Group Chairman M.A. Yusuff Ali, Gulfar Engineering founder Dr. P. Muhammed Ali, and Abdul Lateef of the Oman Chamber of Commerce, among other officials. This year’s event enjoys the sponsorship of Shahi Foods and Spices, further cementing the commercial and cultural ties supporting the festival.
Until 2014, the fest was known as Keralotsavam, recreating Kerala’s traditional festive ambiance. Previous editions welcomed renowned personalities such as former Kerala Health Minister K.K. Shailaja Teacher, actress and activist Shabana Azmi, anti-trafficking advocate Sunitha Krishnan, percussion virtuosos Mattannoor Sankarankutty Marar and Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, oncologist Dr. V.P. Gangadharan, and filmmakers Ranjith, Kamal, and Manoj K. Jayan, according to ISC Community Welfare representative Santhosh Kumar.
The Chief Minister’s visit is part of a Gulf tour officially cleared by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, covering Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, with the exception of Saudi Arabia. CM Vijayan will be accompanied by Fisheries and Culture Minister Saji Cherian and personal assistant V.M. Suneesh. The Indian Embassy in Muscat has advised the delegation to refrain from political remarks during the visit, respecting Oman’s political sensitivities.
Arriving in Muscat on October 22, CM Vijayan will inaugurate the Indian Community Festival on October 23 and participate in a public event on October 24, before proceeding to Salalah. He is scheduled to return to Kerala on October 26.
This landmark visit and the vibrant celebrations of the Indian Community Festival embody the ongoing and enduring relationship between Kerala and Oman, woven through decades of migration, trade, friendship, and cultural exchange. For the Malayali diaspora, it stands as a reaffirmation of identity and pride in a foreign land that they proudly call home.
*Senior journalist
