BKS Hosts Traditional Tug-of-War as Part of Onam Celebrations in Bahrain
Ashwini Gambo
Segaya, Bahrain – September 2025:
As part of its vibrant Onam 2025 celebrations, the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) hosted a lively tug-of-war competition last night at its premises in Segaya, drawing enthusiastic participation from the Indian community.
The traditional game, known locally as vadam vali, saw teams face off in a test of strength and unity, pulling on opposite ends of a heavy rope with the aim of overpowering their opponents. The event brought out both fierce competition and festive camaraderie, echoing the core spirit of Onam—togetherness, resilience, and celebration.
Onam, the harvest festival celebrated primarily by Malayalis from the Indian state of Kerala, commemorates the return of the mythical King Mahabali, under whose reign peace, prosperity, and equality flourished. The BKS has long served as a cultural hub for Bahrain’s Indian community, and its annual Onam festivities reflect a deep-rooted connection to Kerala’s traditions and values.
The tug-of-war event was one of many traditional activities lined up by BKS this Onam season, reinforcing the importance of cultural preservation and community bonding among expatriates living far from home.
