Excited crowds dressed in elegant traditional attire lined up at restaurants across the nation to partake in the Indian festival of Onam. For many, it was a chance to reconnect with friends, while others cherished the memorable celebration.
For Indian expatriate Treesa, Onam was a family celebration shared with her two sons, their friends, and their spouses. Their group, totaling over 22 people, began lining up for the traditional Onam feast (Onasadhya) as early as 11:45am. “These boys were schoolmates and have been friends for over 20 years,” Treesa explained. “They are like my children. We make an effort to gather for special occasions every year. This year is particularly special as my eldest son just got engaged.”
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Photo: Nasreen Abdullah
Meanwhile, delivery riders were busy collecting Onasadhya orders before noon. “As soon as delivery started, we received orders,” said a Bangladeshi national. “My first lunch order was for three Onasadhyas. Though I haven’t tried it, I know it’s very popular here.”
Photo: Nasreen Abdullah
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala in southern India, marked by an Onasadhya featuring over 30 dishes, pookalam (flower carpets), chenda melam (traditional drum performances), and a special appearance by someone dressed as the mythical King Mahabali. According to folklore, King Mahabali ruled a prosperous Kerala before being defeated and returns every year during Onam to visit his subjects.
Skipped breakfast
Dubai resident Reshna arrived early for the sadhya with her family. “We skipped breakfast and headed to the temple in Jebel Ali early,” she stated. “On our way back, we stopped in Karama for the first meal round. We knew it would get busier in the afternoon.”
Photo: Nasreen Abdullah
For Reshna’s in-laws, Onam in the UAE is a favorite. “They live in Chennai, where Onam isn’t as prominent,” she said. “Here, we enjoy a wide selection of Onasadhyas and numerous events, making it feel like celebrating in Kerala. This was also the first year my five-year-old son Vilohit ate a sadhya on his own and he loved it.”
Friends gathering
Though 4-year-old Ruaa and her friends Ayzel and Ayaana were unaware of Onam’s significance, they enjoyed dressing up and joining their parents at Malabar Tiffin House in Karama.
Photo: Nasreen Abdullah
“We wanted to arrive early to avoid the rush with our small children,” said Ruaa’s father Syed. He was dining with a group of eight adults, including his wife and extended family. “It’s our son Ruhan’s first Onam and we weren’t sure how he’d react. We also wanted to finish eating before Friday prayers as it gets busier afterwards.”
Photo: Nasreen Abdullah
Pooja, another festival-goer, wanted to avoid the crowds. She made a quick stop for glass bangles to match her outfit before lunch. “Onam is special, and we always dress our best for it,” she commented. “I bought the bangles and now I’m heading to lunch with my family. Our reservation is at 12, but we expect a wait, so we’re hurrying to the restaurant.”
Photo: Nasreen Abdullah
Onam in the desert
Several associations and clubs plan to extend Onam festivities through the weekend and month. A group of desert driving enthusiasts will celebrate Onam in the desert for the second consecutive year on Saturday.
2024 Onam desert celebration. Photo: Manju Sreekumar
“Last year, we donned traditional attire and took our four-wheel drives to the desert,” said member Manju Sreekumar. “We even had a special appearance by Mahabali. This year, we’re planning an even grander celebration.”
Dubai-based artist Jyo John Mulloor used AI to reimagine the Burj Khalifa surrounded by a vibrant floral carpet for Onam. Take a look:
