As part of Navodaya's jubilee celebrations, Jeddah Navodaya Khalid Bin Waleed Area Committee organised the program under the banner Navodaya Utsav 2025. The event, hosted at All Layali Auditorium, radiated a true festive spirit and was inaugurated by Navodaya General Secretary Sreekumar Mavelikkara followed by variety of programs that sparkled with festive spirit and enthusiasm.

The Welcome speech was given by Program Committee Convener Muneer Pandikakadu, followed by Giriver Chemmanam, and greetings were extended by Welcome Committee Chairman Anas Baba, Chief Patron Shibu Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmuthal President Kismath Mampad, Treasurer C.M. Abdul Rahman, Central Women's Forum Convener Anupama Bijuraj, Area Treasurer Devak Chemmalam, Women's Forum Convener Neenu Vivek, and Sagar Malappuram whereas Central Committee Member Yusuf Melattur conveyed the vote of thanks.

The proceedings were chaired by Program Committee Convener Jijo Angamaly.The soulful Ghazal by renowned live singer Razi, rendered with depth and emotion, created a serene atmosphere that touched hearts captivated the audience like a refreshing drizzle and offered a rare musical delight while the cooking contest, featuring six enthusiastic teams, further heightened the festive spirit bringing extra zest to the celebrations, Kalarathna's Green Team led by Lissy and Orange Team led by Simi spiced up the cookery show, bagging the first and second prizes, while the Purple Team added colour to the fest with a proud third place.

As part of Navodaya 2K25, children from the Kalarathna School of Dance enthralled the audience with vibrant performances of Duff Muttu, Devadasi, and traditional folk dances, under the guidance of one and only Mrs Sreetha Anilkumar. Her dazzling dance sequences were crafted with creative vision and artistic touch transformed every step into a celebration and left the audience spellbound.

The audience responded with overwhelming applause and admiration, thoroughly enjoying every performance and turning the evening into a vibrant celebration of art and culture. Blending three uniquely crafted programs with flawless execution, the Navodaya 2025 Onam celebrations in Jeddah blossomed into a vibrant festival, as the expatriate community joined hands with Navodaya in joyous celebration.

- Our Overseas Reporter M Siraj From Saudi Arabia.