Onam festival celebrated by Malayali community in UAE and India

The Onam festival is being celebrated by the Malayali diaspora in the UAE and within Kerala, marked by traditional festivities, music, and community gatherings.

In the UAE, expatriates from Kerala have organized various celebrations, including Thiruvonam festivities in Dubai. Activities include creating elaborate floral pookalams, participating in traditional games like vadamvali, and sharing Onam sadhya feasts at restaurants and workplaces. These events serve as a display of cultural unity for residents of various nationalities.

In Kerala, the festival is accompanied by the singing of Onappattukal. These traditional songs, once passed down orally, have evolved through cinema and social media. Notable tracks include the 1997 film song ‘Poovili Poovili Ponnonamayi’ and the 1998 melody ‘Paraniraye Ponnalakkum’. The songs often reference the mythology of King Maveli and the prosperity of his reign.