While the core elements of the festival remain the same, celebrations adapt to the local culture and setting, bringing together Malayalees and non-Malayalees alike
People from the Indian state of Kerala celebrate Onam, the harvest festival worldwide. Traditionally, it marks the homecoming of King Mahabali and is observed with grandeur in Kerala, but due to the large diaspora, Onam has spread globally, and people celebrate it in various unique ways while maintaining its cultural essence.
India (Outside Kerala)
- Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai: Major cities with significant Malayalee populations witness vibrant Onam celebrations. Cultural associations host events including traditional dance forms like Thiruvathira and Kathakali, music performances, and the iconic Pookkalam (flower arrangements). Many Malayalees in these cities also organize Onam feasts (Onasadya) at homes and community centers.
- Delhi: Kerala House hosts a large Onam celebration every year with cultural programs, religious ceremonies, and elaborate feasts.
Middle East
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah): With a significant expatriate Malayalee community, Onam is one of the most celebrated festivals in the UAE. Schools, community centers, and restaurants host Onam Sadyas (feasts), and Malayalee cultural organizations organize Pookkalam competitions, traditional dance, and music events. The Onam feast is a major attraction in restaurants, with a variety of Kerala delicacies.
- Al Karama Group of companies organised a function in Muscat, Oman to mark the occasion.
- Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia: Similar celebrations occur in these countries, with expat associations holding community gatherings. Traditional games like Vadamvali (tug of war) and Uriyadi (a pot-breaking game) are sometimes organized.
United States
- New Jersey, Texas, California: Areas with large Malayalee populations, such as New Jersey, Dallas, and the San Francisco Bay Area, have well-established Onam festivities. Malayalee associations often host large-scale Onam events with cultural performances, music, and Sadya. Schools and local organizations join in the celebrations, and many people take the day off to participate.
- New York, Chicago, Florida: Onam is marked by various cultural associations and temples hosting Sadya, Pookkalam contests, and traditional performances. Temples sometimes hold special prayers, and churches with significant Kerala populations also organize Onam-themed events.
Europe
- United Kingdom (London, Birmingham, Manchester): In the UK, Malayalee communities organize cultural events, Onam feasts, and traditional games. Various Indian restaurants offer special Sadya meals during the festival period.
- Germany, France, Switzerland: Onam is celebrated with community gatherings in major cities. People from Kerala come together for potluck-style Sadyas and cultural activities. Churches often play a key role in organizing these events.
Canada
- Toronto, Vancouver: The Malayalee population in Canada celebrates Onam with cultural programs, feasts, and community events. The celebrations usually take place over the weekends in community centers or temples, drawing large crowds for traditional performances, including classical dance, music, and the Sadya.
Australia and New Zealand
- Sydney, Melbourne, Perth: Onam is celebrated enthusiastically, with Kerala expatriate communities organizing grand feasts, Pookkalam competitions, and cultural performances. Churches and associations play a major role in these events.
- Auckland, Wellington: Smaller, but similarly vibrant, celebrations take place in New Zealand, with Malayalee communities coming together to honor tradition.
Singapore and Malaysia
- Singapore: Onam celebrations in Singapore are grand, especially within Malayalee expatriate communities. Cultural events and Onam feasts are organized by various associations and temples.
- Malaysia: With a significant Malayalee population, Onam is celebrated in community halls, homes, and temples. Traditional games and feasts are common, and cultural programs are organized by schools and community groups.
Common Elements Across Celebrations:
- Onam Sadya: The grand feast with vegetarian dishes served on banana leaves is a universal feature, no matter where Onam is celebrated.
- Pookkalam (Floral Rangoli): People create intricate designs with flowers as part of the celebration.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional dance forms like Thiruvathira, classical music, and Kathakali performances are central to the festivities.
- Community Gatherings: Wherever there are Malayalees, community events are organized to celebrate Onam, bringing people together to partake in cultural and religious activities.
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