A GROUP striving for the improvement of an Indian community residing in Colchester is hosting a celebratory event this weekend.

Colchester Malayalee community (CMC) is a non-profit, non-religious and non-cultural group.

Its members are working to improve the lives of Keralites (people from the state of Kerala) and Malayalees living in Colchester and surrounding areas.

On January 6, they are holding their Christmas and New Year celebrations, which will include artists performing nativity, Indian dance forms and skits.

The event will be taking place in Nayland Village Hall from 6pm to 7.30pm.

The key highlight is a recreation of the epic poem ‘Chilappathikaram’, believed to have been written in 5th Century CE, in the form of a dance drama.

The drama is directed and adapted by Sumesh Aravindakshan, who said it was selected due to its social relevance in today’s world.

It will be orchestrated by Bhadram School of Dance, which has more than 80 students across Colchester and Chelmsford in various age groups.

Seema Gopinath, the creative head of the school, is leading the drama.

A CMC spokesman said: “We provide a diverse range of services and activities for the local malayalee community since 2006.

“CMC works with similar organisations in the East Anglia region to play a part in promoting the Kerala heritage and traditions in this foreign soil.

“We aim to host and celebrate traditional festivities of Kerala and organise family get together, cultural and sporting events.”