Toronto’s downtown core was alive this weekend with thousands gathering at Sankofa Square for Maha Onam 2025, one of the largest Malayali cultural festivals in North America.
Organized by Levitate Entertainment and International Youth Canada, the festival showcased Kerala’s vibrant traditions through music, dance, food, and community spirit. Known for its grand processions, Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival traditional art forms, and the legendary OnaSadya feast.
Welcoming Canadians from all backgrounds to experience Kerala’s culture In Toronto, Maha Onam has quickly become a signature celebration for the city’s South Indian diaspora.
Standout attraction this year was the arrival of ‘Maha Komban’, a 9-foot robotic elephant shipped from Kerala and inspired by the legendary tusker ‘Kachamkurissi Keshavan’ which became one of the festival’s most photographed features.
Opening with ‘Kelikottu’ (traditional drums), the 12-hour program concluded with a high-energy DJ night. Over 30 groups performed, including a Chendamelam troupe from the U.S. and a dance team from Newfoundland, reflecting the event’s growing reach.
A mix of classical, folk, and contemporary performances that filled Sankofa Square was cheered by the audience.
Authentic OnaSadya was served with other traditional food items for the first time, giving attendees a true taste of Kerala. The feast was lined up by the families, students, and newcomers making food one of the most celebrated highlights of the day.
Emphasizing inclusivity, the festival opened with a land acknowledgment and performance by First Nations artist Jared Big Canoe.
Kerala’s Minister for Tourism, P. A. Mohammed Riyas, addressed the crowd virtually, praising organizers for bringing Kerala’s cultural richness to Canada.
Dignitaries in attendance included Consul Arun Kumar, International Youth Canada, Director Prashant Srivastava, with the chief organizer Jerin Raj and major sponsors such as LemFi, Grease Mallu, and Realtor Jeffin Valayil Joseph.
Maha Onam 2025 served as a meeting ground beyond the stage for hundreds of international students and newcomers, connecting them to the wider Malayali community. With thousands of festivalgoers, Sankofa Square was transformed into a cultural showcase that resonated across Toronto and beyond.
Hundreds of artists performing for Maha Onam organizers highlighted the true stars of Maha Onam, not any celebrities, but the performers and the community members itself — proving that the spirit of Onam continues to thrive and grow far from home.
