Colleagues from across Airedale NHS Foundation Trust came together on Friday 4 September to celebrate Onam, marking the Trust’s first official celebration of the traditional harvest festival observed by millions of people around the world, particularly in the Indian state of Kerala.
Held in the hospital restaurant, the event brought staff together for an afternoon of culture, music and community, showcasing the rich diversity of Airedale’s workforce.
The celebration was organised by colleagues from Kerala, who warmly welcomed staff and shared the traditions and significance of Onam. A colourful floral display, known as a Pookalam or flower mat, was created as the centrepiece of the event, while singing and dancing helped create a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the traditional oil lamp lighting ceremony, which symbolises prosperity, hope and new beginnings. Chief Executive Foluke Ajayi and Chief Nurse Lianne Robinson were invited to take part alongside event organisers.
Many members of staff attended throughout the afternoon, taking the opportunity to learn more about Onam and celebrate with colleagues.
Lianne Robinson, Chief Nurse was delighted to take part: “It was lovely to see colleagues coming together to celebrate Onam at such a beautiful event. Seeing the joy and happiness in our colleagues and such excitement in celebrating their festival, had a profound impact on those who attended
“We are fortunate to have more than 250 colleagues from Kerala working across our Trust, making a huge contribution to the care we provide every day. It was wonderful to be able to recognise and celebrate this important festival with them, while also giving colleagues and patients from different backgrounds the opportunity to learn more about the traditions, music, dance and food that make Onam such a special occasion.
“I would like to thank our colleagues from Kerala for organising such a wonderful event and for sharing their traditions with us.”
‘Foluke Ajayi, Chief Executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It was a privilege to join colleagues in celebrating Onam and to take part in the traditional lamp lighting ceremony.
“Airedale is proud of its diverse workforce and the many cultures, backgrounds and experiences that enrich our organisation. Events like this give us an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate what makes us unique and strengthen the sense of belonging that is so important to our Trust”.
Senior Sister Gintu Thomas, one of the event organisers, said:
“Onam is a very special festival for people from Kerala, bringing family, friends and communities together in celebration and gratitude.
“We were delighted to share our traditions with colleagues at Airedale and to see so many people join us. The support from staff and leaders across the Trust made the event even more meaningful, and we hope everyone enjoyed learning about our culture and celebrations.
“Airedale doesn’t just talk about diversity – Airedale celebrates diversity. This is what makes Airedale special.”
The event was made possible with the kind sponsorship of Visaroots.in; LADS events, Keighley; Jobin and Jomesh from Carryfresh supermarket, Keighley; and Richie and Farzana from Green’s supermarket, Shipley.
