Onam, the harvest festival from Kerala, is in full swing across the UAE. Today is ‘Uthradam’, the first day of celebrations, with Malayalees preparing for the main event,Thiruvonam, tomorrow. With a large Keralite community here, Onam has become one of the UAE’s most eagerly awaited cultural events, showcasing the country’s rich multiculturalism.

Across the UAE, shopping centers and community spaces are adorned with vibrant ‘pookalams’ – intricate flower carpets that are a hallmark of Onam. Supermarkets and grocery stores across the UAE have been bustling with activity as shoppers stock up for the festivities. Many retailers have set up special Onam sections, offering everything from traditional Kerala rice and spices to ready-made snacks like banana chips and ‘avalose podi’.

Special sections have been set up, offering traditional Kerala rice, spices, banana chips, and festive snacks. Pre-packaged Onam kits, priced between AED 30 and AED 150, are also a hit, providing all the essentials for a traditional feast at home. Kerala-based entrepreneur M.A. Yusuff Ali’s LuLu supermarket is hosting a ‘Payasam Mela’ featuring 27 varieties of the traditional dessert, from Yam and Dates Payasam to sugar-free options.

The mela also features an exclusive array of ice cream payasams and special payasam cakes. And for those pressed for time, pre-packaged Onam kits, priced between AED 50 and AED 150, are proving popular—offering all the essentials for a traditional feast at home.

The UAE is home to a large Malayalee population from Kerala. Over the years, the community has become an integral part of the country’s cultural and economic fabric. Malayalees play a significant role in various sectors, from business and healthcare to hospitality and education, contributing to the UAE’s multicultural identity. Their presence is especially prominent during festivals like Onam, where the community comes together to celebrate and share their rich traditions.

By – Vinod Kumar (Dubai)