A giant Bahraini flag stretching for a staggering one kilometre will be unfurled at Adhari Park, transforming the landscape into a sea of red and white, today as the kingdom celebrates its 52nd National Day.
This incredible feat of organisation and community spirit is an initiative of the Sree Narayana Cultural Society (SNCS), a community organisation whose members mainly come from the Indian state of Kerala.
SNCS chairman Sunish Suseelan told the GDN that the event was a continuation of the Tribute to Bahrain celebration organised by the society in September.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain has become a haven of peace and prosperity for all citizens and residents,” he said.
The celebration of Bahrain will kick off at 3.30pm with 100 volunteers, each standing 10 metres apart, carrying the flag as it is unfurled.
Talking about the planning, the effort, and the emotions that went into making this historic event a reality, Suresh Karunakaran, the general convenor of the event, said: “As many as 200 members of the organisation toiled away for around a month under the guidance of three professional tailors in stitching together the 1.2-metre wide flag which is more than just a piece of fabric, it is a symbol of the strong bonds that unite us. Fully ‘Made in Bahrain’ using locally sourced materials, the massive flag is all rolled-up and ready for unfurling. It will be carried to the venue on a six-wheeled truck.”
Mr Karunakaran was the first general secretary of the society set up 30 years ago as a registered cultural association to organise community celebrations of events like the harvest festival Onam, Vishu (New Year for Malayali Hindus), and the birthday of Sree Narayana Guru, an Indian social reformer.
It also offers scholarships, educational programmes, and assistance to underprivileged members.
Organisers expect at least a 1,000-strong cheering crowd to join the pomp and pageantry, with a motorcade featuring drivers and riders from the Bahrain Bike Riders Association led by officials from the Social Development Ministry, diplomats and community leaders standing tall in an open-top Jeep driving past the flag bearers. “The unfurling of the flag is our expression of solidarity and tribute to the government and people of Bahrain on the occasion of Bahrain National Day,” SNCS secretary V R Sajeevan said.
“We are calling on all residents of Bahrain to join us on this momentous occasion.”
The society attempted a similar activity last year where a much smaller flag, around half the length of this one, was put on display at the Indian School Bahrain’s Riffa campus.
“Unfortunately, it was very windy that day and the flag, propped up by poles, blew away,” said Mr Karunakaran.
“This time around, we decided to have people carrying the flag to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
“Also, we felt this is more respectful and brings more camaraderie and active participation.”
Participants will receive snack boxes and the event is expected to wrap-up by 5pm.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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