Onam, the grand festival of Malayalis, is a time of joy and festivity celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm. It holds immense significance in Kerala, India, where it symbolizes the start of the harvest season and the return of King Mahabali. Malayalis around the world eagerly anticipate this occasion, and even those living abroad are keen to recreate the magic of Onam in their new surroundings.
The Essence of Onam:
Onam encapsulates the quintessential Indian festival experience with its music, happiness, and, of course, the delectable food. The celebration in Kerala is a carnival of colors and traditions, from the intricate pookalam flower decorations adorning homes to the grand feast known as the Onasadhya, served on Thiruvonam, the festival’s final day.
The Onasadhya is the heart of every Malayali’s celebration, featuring an array of 26+ dishes meticulously served on banana or plantain leaves, and always eaten by hand while seated on the ground, signifying a profound connection with the earth. Preparations for this lavish feast begin days, and sometimes even months, in advance. The menu includes pappadam, parippu, upperi, sambar, rasam, avial, inji curry, kaalan, thoran, pachadi, olan, and a variety of payasams, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Onam Abroad – A New Perspective:
For Malayalis residing outside of India, celebrating Onam can be a different experience altogether. The timing of the celebration may not align with their local schedules, and the absence of a public holiday like Thiruvonam in Kerala adds a layer of complexity. Dr. Gautham Balachandran, a medical consultant in Glasgow, UK, acknowledges this challenge, highlighting the absence of a universal day off for Onam celebrations abroad.
However, some Malayalis, like Maya Kartha, a Content Head in Dubai, find comfort in their host countries. Dubai, with its substantial Malayali population and easy access to Onam essentials, provides a familiar ambiance that eases the yearning for home.
Shireen Jamooji spoke with some Indian diaspora members and scripted their treasured memories and nostalgia on slurrp.com.
For many, Onam is synonymous with family reunions and cherished memories. Priyathama Giritash, now working in Dubai as an IT consultant, fondly recalls the tradition of family members from various locations gathering at her grandparent’s home in India—an experience she misses since moving abroad.
Joel Abraham, based in Toronto, reminisces about his childhood memories of helping his mother prepare for the Onam sadhya. The anticipation of relishing dishes exclusive to the festival still brings excitement.
Anisha, a Communications Specialist in Canada, cherishes the sweet tradition of her mother sharing banana chips from her sadhya plate. This small gesture embodies the essence of family love and tradition that transcends borders.
Regardless of their location, Malayalis across the globe continue to celebrate Onam with enthusiasm, keeping the festival’s spark alive. For the diaspora, Onam serves as an opportunity to showcase the rich heritage, diversity, and traditions of Kerala in their new homes, maintaining a deep connection to their roots while embracing their global identities
The Sadhya – The Culinary Highlight:
The Sadhya, a lavish spread, is the pinnacle of the Onam celebration. In India, it involves days of preparation, with every family member contributing to the feast. In Dubai, Malayalis have access to a wide range of regional cuisines, though some may miss regional specialties like Boli from Trivandrum, as mentioned by Maya.
For Joel, the absence of a bustling family atmosphere and the collective effort to prepare the feast has altered the essence of Onam abroad. The celebration takes on a more modest tone, with families opting for potluck-style gatherings.
Redefining Onam for the Diaspora:
Over time, Malayalis have found creative ways to make Onam special, even when far from their homeland. Each generation’s experience of the festival may differ slightly, adapting to their new circumstances.
Joseph Menon, a student in Liverpool, likens Onam to Christmas—a one-day event marked by family gatherings and shared meals. Gautham Balachandran emphasizes the adaptation of traditions to Western life, even creatively compensating for the lack of traditional flowers for athapoo in Scotland.
Anisha notes the impact of the pandemic on those celebrating abroad, as social isolation changed the dynamics of the festivities. Virtual activities like Onam quizzes over WhatsApp have emerged as novel ways to keep the spirit of Onam alive.
Regardless of their location, Malayalis across the globe continue to celebrate Onam with enthusiasm, keeping the festival’s spark alive. For the diaspora, Onam serves as an opportunity to showcase the rich heritage, diversity, and traditions of Kerala in their new homes, maintaining a deep connection to their roots while embracing their global identities.
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