Expatriate residents in the UAE, from the Indian state of Kerala, celebrated the festival yesterday.
Gulf News
Gulf News Reader pictures of the week – :07 September 22, 2013
Gulf News reader Ramesh Menon took this picture at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition. Falcons are an integral part of desert life in the UAE for centuries. Originally, falcons were used for hunting, to supplement the Bedouin diet with some meat, such as hare and houbara.
To view it in original, please visit Gulf News online.
Onam Kerala’s harvest festival – Dt. 17-09-2013 Gulf News – Readers Picture
Onam Kerala’s harvest festival – Dt. 17-09-2013 Gulf News – Readers Picture
Gulf News reader Ramesh Menon took pictures of Onam decorations in Thrissur, Kerala, India
To read it online, please visit GULF NEWS online.
Gulf News reader Ramesh Menon took pictures of Onam decorations in Thrissur, Kerala, India. He said: “Onam – the traditional festival of harvest for Keralites is the most celebrated festival of the year. The festival marks the arrival of the mythical king called Mahabali. People from different walks of life come together and celebrate this day with family and friends over a luxurious feast. People decorate their houses with symbolic items, including day-to-day household utensils, vegetables and flowers. In the olden days, flowers used for decorations were picked fresh from people’s gardens, but now there are huge markets where people can buy all kinds of decorative items.Children are most excited for Onam, as they get gifts from their elders. I remember my childhood days in a small village named Urakam in Thrissur, where the decorations were very elaborate and the entire city seemed to be jumping with joy and excitement. Over time, the number of nuclear families is increasing and regional associations are gaining prominence, because of which people tend to celebrate these festivities at their respective associations and gatherings outside home. Let harmony and joy prevail with goodwill for all as envisaged by the great king Mahabali.”
Emiratis and Expats : Bridging the gap – Gulf News Dt. 11.09.2013
Understanding the culture
A thought provoking article of contemporary relevance, as UAE is looking to progress in all fields. An individual of any nationality undergoes the same dilemma expressed by the writer. It is true that a certain cultural inhibition is there in most of us. However, I believe that each individual needs to put in effort to learn and understand the local language and tradition of the country, to feel a part of it. As a member of the India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC), Abu Dhabi, I would like to appreciate the effort of ISC to conduct Arabic language courses for its members and their families. This has made a significant impact in the community. Involvement of police and other local humanitarian associations in club events has also given expatriates an opportunity to understand the local culture.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit Gulf News online.
Gulf News – Readers use pictures to tell a story – First Place Dt. 17 August 2013
And the page which lead to the winning entry is:
Thank you GULF NEWS.
The wild and the beautiful – Photo Essay – Emirates Park Zoo, Abu Dhabi
To see it online, please visit GULF NEWS pictures gallery at The wild and the beautiful
Gold in short supply in Dubai
XPRESS reports:
Gold in short supply in DubaiBuyers come in droves to buy coins and biscuits
My comments as follows:
I believe the unexpected drop in gold price in UK market have forced the wholesale dealers in Dubai to hold their stock as reserves and wait for the market to move up again. If not, they will be incurring huge loss on stock they bought for high price which they have to release to the market to meet the demand created due to the current global scenario. I am sure it is the case in all the major gold markets, including India and in particular Kerala, where there is always a huge demand for gold. Those who have invested in gold, it is a time to hold on to it as prices will move up again. Those who have not invested in it, take advantage of the situation and buy some yellow metal for keep, only and only if you have reserve cash. However, caution to NOT USE YOUR CREDIT CARD for buying gold. You will regret heavily later.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
To read it in original, please visit XPRESS online.
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