Dubai: Legendary playback singer KS Chithra, fondly known as the Nightingale of Malayalam music, returned to Dubai after a gap of seven years to celebrate Onam with the employees of Al Fardan Exchange. Her visit was an emotional one, filled with warmth, nostalgia, and cultural pride, as she joined Malayali expatriates in their festive celebrations.Speaking at the Al Fardan Exchange’s Onam celebration held at its head office, Chithra said, “Onam is truly a festival of unity, and the way it is celebrated among expatriates proves that. I, too, was once an expatriate, and this celebration reminded me of those days.”
The event was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp (Bhadradeepam), followed by vibrant festivities and a grand Onam feast. Employees from various nationalities participated in traditional Kerala attire, showcasing the cultural richness and inclusive spirit of Onam abroad. Chithra was visibly moved by the gesture, saying that this is what Onam truly represents – unity in diversity.
This is Chithra’s first visit to Dubai after the tragic loss of her daughter. She revealed that for years, she avoided traveling to Dubai due to the emotional weight it carried. “I had a strange detachment from Dubai after my personal loss. But the love and warmth of the Malayali community here made me forget all of that,” she said with gratitude.
Chithra also reminisced about the golden era of Onam songs, especially classics produced by Tharangini such as “Mamankam” and others in collaboration with KJ Yesudas. “There was a time when people eagerly waited for these albums. Today, the tradition has changed – no one buys CDs anymore. Instead, we now release one song at a time as music videos,” she noted, reflecting on the evolving landscape of Onam music.
She added that Onam is now celebrated even more vibrantly by expatriates than back in Kerala, pointing to the passion and longing with which the festival is embraced outside the homeland.
Chithra is in the UAE ahead of the “Timeless Melodies” live concert scheduled to take place at Sharjah Expo Centre on September 6, where she will perform alongside artists like Stephen Devassy, Harishankar, Srirag, Rajesh Cherthala, and Anamika.
As a token of appreciation, Al Fardan Exchange CEO Taranath Rai presented Chithra with a special gift, marking the end of a heartfelt and memorable Onam celebration.
