ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter Hosts Vibrant Onam Celebration 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
ABU DHABI(News Desk):: The Abu Dhabi Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) hosted a vibrant Onam Celebration 2026 on Sunday, September 6, at Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel, bringing together Chartered Accountants, their families and friends to celebrate Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and the spirit of community and togetherness.
The celebration was attended by Hon’ble Shri Shafi Parambil, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, as Chief Guest, and CA Babu Kallivayalil, Central Council Member, ICAI, as Special Guest.
The programme opened with remarks by CA Mohammed Shafeeq, General Secretary, ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter, who highlighted Onam as a festival symbolising prosperity, gratitude, harmony and togetherness.
CA Rohit Dayma, Chairperson, ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants, emphasising the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage among the diaspora and strengthening bonds within the professional community.
The formal ceremony included the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, symbolising knowledge, prosperity and positivity.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shafi Parambil stressed the importance of preserving Indian cultural traditions among communities living abroad. He noted the role of festivals such as Onam in bringing people together and passing cultural values to future generations, while also highlighting the strong people-to-people ties between India and the UAE.
CA Babu Kallivayalil also spoke about the importance of community engagement and cultural celebrations in creating a strong sense of belonging among ICAI members and their families. He appreciated the Abu Dhabi Chapter’s efforts to combine professional engagement with meaningful social and cultural initiatives.
The cultural programme showcased the vibrant traditions of Kerala, featuring an Onam Song, Thiruvathira Dance, Chenda Melam, the traditional arrival of Maveli, and a dynamic Fusion Chenda Melam performance.
A special highlight was the promotion of the upcoming World Forum of Accountants (WOFA) 2026, scheduled to take place from December 16–18, 2026, in Visakhapatnam, India. An ICAI-inspired Pookalam featuring the WOFA identity served as a visual representation of Kerala’s traditional artistry blended with ICAI’s global professional identity.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by CA Priyanka Birla, Vice Chairperson, ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter, who expressed appreciation to the guests, sponsors, members, families, volunteers, performers and organising team.
The formal proceedings were followed by a traditional Onam Sadhya and a lively Tug of War, giving members and their families an opportunity to enjoy the festivities in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Onam Celebration 2026 brought together the ICAI community in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Indian culture, strengthen professional and social bonds, and share the values of tradition, gratitude and togetherness.
