In a heartwarming display of cultural unity, an Egyptian man embraced the role of the Keralite mythical king Maveli as Indian expatriates in the UAE kicked off their Onam celebrations ahead of schedule. The event saw participation from people of over 20 nationalities, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Key Takeaways
- Egyptian man Nawar dressed as King Maveli for the first time.
- Onam is a harvest festival celebrated by Malayalis, marking the return of Maveli.
- Celebrations in the UAE began early, involving various nationalities.
- Events included traditional activities, dances, and a lavish feast.
- The festival promotes unity and tolerance among multicultural communities.
What is Onam?
Onam is a harvest festival linked to Hindu mythology, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which falls in August or September. Malayalis, the people of Kerala, celebrate the return of the mythical king Maveli from the netherworld to visit his subjects. The festivities last for 10 days, culminating on Thiruvonam Day, the most important day.
This year, Onam begins on September 6 and Thiruvonam falls on September 15. However, the vibrant Malayali community in the UAE has already started their celebrations, hosting massive events over several days.
Early Celebrations in the UAE
Companies, community groups, and schools in the UAE have begun celebrating Onam with great enthusiasm. These events are attended by people of various nationalities, highlighting the festival’s theme of unity and camaraderie among the multicultural residents of the UAE.
Nawar, an Egyptian man, dressed up as King Maveli for the first time in his life. “I definitely enjoyed being king,” he said, adding that the attire showcased the rich culture of Kerala. The day-long festivities organized by Nawar’s company saw enthusiastic participation from the entire non-Indian staff, who donned traditional Kerala sarees and mundus.
Cultural Activities and Highlights
The celebrations included traditional Onam activities such as:
- Vadam Vali: Tug of war
- Thiruvathirakkali: A traditional dance performed by women in a circle
Dr. Sathya Menon, the group’s CEO, expressed his joy at seeing the essence of Kerala’s experiences beautifully recreated in the UAE. Abdul Azeez, the chairman of the group, praised the dedication and spirit of the team that brought everyone closer together as a family.
Kerala Chartered Accountants’ Celebration
Around 200 people participated in an early celebration organized by the Kerala Chartered Accountants (KCA) in the UAE on August 31. The event began with tributes to the victims of the Wayanad landslides, which claimed more than 400 lives.
The KCA celebration featured:
- Onasadhya: A lavish vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf
- Pookkalam: Traditional floral decoration made on the ground
- A series of cultural competitions
Onam in Schools
GEMS Our Own Indian School (OIS) also started their Onam celebrations early. Principal Lalitha Suresh mentioned that students wore ethnic Kerala outfits and performed traditional songs and dances. The school has planned special Onam assemblies and a Fabulous Friday dress code themed after Onam.
Suresh emphasized the importance of encouraging children to develop tolerance and social skills by embracing and celebrating different cultures and festivals.
Upcoming Celebrations
Various community groups have announced plans to celebrate Onam in all its grandeur in the coming weeks. Restaurants run by Keralites are preparing to serve Onasadhya on Thiruvonam, while supermarkets and garment shops catering to the Malayali community are bustling with Onam shopping.
