JOIN USIt is that time of the year when the Malayali community is abuzz with excitement, no matter which part of the world they may be in. Onam is here and everyone is geared up to welcome King Mahabali in the best possible way. While the enthusiasm and anticipation in Kerala is unparalleled, the sizeable ‘Mallu’ community (as they are fondly called) in Namma Bengaluru is eager to join in the festivities too.
“We make the traditional floral mats, called ‘pookalams’, on all ten days every year,” says Sneha Latha. “All the family members living in the city get together for festival. Then there is the ‘sadya’, the Onam feast, that everyone looks forward to. We typically make around 12 to 14 curries every year. Different varieties of ‘payasam’ are also made, ranging from jaggery, vermicelli and rice to Kerala banana and jackfruit,” she explains.
Says Vinayak Gopi, a doctor, “This is one festival that brings people closer. You have to have one meal with your family and relatives and the feeling of being surrounded by your loved ones is amazing. I also like to invite my non-Malayali friends over for the ‘sadya’ sometimes and show off the South Indian version of a five-course meal.”
While most internet memes and WhatsApp wishes for this harvest festival focus on the sumptuous feast or the colourful floral displays, for most people it is about spending time with family and strengthening old bonds. Deadlines and work schedules take a backseat as laughter and camaraderie light up homes and hearths.
“We see it more as an occasion to get together, instead of a festival,” says Surya Manoharan, a student of Mount Carmel College. “Of course, here we only celebrate it within our limited circle of family and a few friends. In Kerala, the group would be much larger because the elders in the family would also be there. And I would love to see the ‘thiruvathirakali’ (a ritual dance performed by women) too,” she adds.
Women are certainly in their element during this festival. From dressing up in sparkling white Kerala saris to making the intricately beautiful floral mats to adding life to the festivities with their songs and dances, it is a time for the ladies to enjoy themselves thoroughly. “The women look stunning in their Kerala ‘kasavu’ (silk) saris,” says Vinayak.
“And I love how the boys too dress up in kurtas and ‘mundus’, without really having an idea of how to tie one. I find it very cute,” he adds with a laugh.
Sriram Aravamudan agrees. Having grown up in Kerala, he prefers to call himself an ‘honorary Malayali’ and celebrates Onam with equal fervour here. “The white ‘kasavu’ saris and kurtas add to the visual beauty of this festival,” he says. “But it is only quite recently that this festival is being celebrated on a large scale in Bengaluru. Earlier, there would be just one to two restaurants offering Onam ‘sadya’ and frankly, these would not be that great. But nowadays, every hotel is organising a feast. However, I personally prefer visiting the smaller Kerala hotels as this is the one time of the year when they go all out and put up a grand show.”
Moving away from the topic of food with some reluctance, Sriram talks about his celebrations.
“We have a sizeable Malayali population in office and people do celebrate in whatever way possible. Sometimes they bring flowers for the ‘pookalam’ from home or make ‘payasam’ and distribute it among everyone.”
And it isn’t just Malayalis who are enamoured with this 10-day extravaganza. Says Monika Manchanda, “I am a Punjabi married to a Tamilian and we celebrate Onam every year because we love the culture of Kerala. Two years ago, I made a complete ‘sadya’ for family and friends. Last year, I made ‘payasam’ and put the ‘pookalam’ in my house. This year, we had an early Onam potluck at a friend’s house. Five families got together to prepare the feast, which had 15 dishes, and it was really nice.” So Malayali or not, join in the festivities everyone!