County Clerk Joins Onam Celebration

(Mineola, NY)  Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and other local officials joined members of Nassau County’s Indian community during their Onam Celebration.  Indian-American residents came together with community leaders at all levels of government to celebrate “Onam”.  Onam is the biggest and most important festival of the state of Kerala in India.  According to popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival.  Among the honorees who were presented with citations at this year’s Onam Celebration were Benjamin George, Rev. Fr. John Alummoottil, Cemat Shaji, Cherian Maharaja, Dr. Annamma Zchariah, Rosy John and Mariamma John.

Photo 1:   Pictured with members and honorees of the Indian American Malayalee Association of Long Island are Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello, Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Town of North Hempstead Councilman Angelo Ferrara, Town of North Hempstead Town Clerk Leslie Gross and Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio