A group of Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital staff came together on Sunday to celebrate 'Onam', one of the most significant festivals of the southern Indian state of Kerala.

The event, which saw participation from diverse cultural backgrounds, marked the fourth time the Critical Care Unit has celebrated this vibrant festival, continuing a tradition that celebrates both cultural heritage and the strong bonds within the team.

Clinical matron Victoria Taylor delivered the invocation, setting a tone of unity and joy for the occasion. The group was welcomed by Sumesh K Nair, a nurse in the Critical Care Unit.

READ MORE: Basingstoke's Kerala community to celebrate Onam festival

'Onam' is a harvest festival celebrated by Malayalis worldwide. The festival is celebrated with grandeur in Kerala, featuring flower decorations, boat races, traditional dances, and feasts, as people of all religions come together in the spirit of unity.

The celebration featured a variety of traditional 'Onam' games. The highlight of the event was the 'Onam Sadya', a traditional Kerala feast served on banana leaves, featuring dishes prepared by Aroma Catering in Basingstoke.

The feast is an essential part of Onam celebrations, symbolising prosperity and community.

The celebrations at Basingstoke Hospital highlighted the importance of embracing cultural diversity, especially in the workplace.

With a global workforce, the hospital fosters an inclusive environment where various cultural celebrations are welcomed and shared.