Indian expatriates from Kerala in the United Arab Emirates experience a rare double celebration in 2025, as the Thiruvonam festival of Onam coincides with a public holiday.
In the heart of the Gulf, the vibrant spirit of Onam is alive and well. This year, the harvest festival of the south Indian state Kerala falls on a public holiday in the UAE, offering residents a long weekend to immerse themselves in the festivities.
The Onam celebrations have been a grand affair, with Blue Ocean Corporation, an Indian-owned multinational conglomerate, hosting a grand event in Dubai. Employees of 18 nationalities participated, reflecting the UAE's community spirit and socio-cultural cohesion. Dr Sathya Menon, Group CEO of Blue Ocean Corporation, expressed pride in bringing everyone together for Onam.
Adel Kenani from Egypt felt a sense of cultural celebration and belonging during the event. Manal Taha from Lebanon also enjoyed the vibrant and welcoming spirit of Onam while celebrating with colleagues.
Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, a unique Maveli cake was made to celebrate Onam. Sruthi Sreedhar, a local resident, baked the cake, adding a special touch to the festivities.
The celebrations have not been limited to adults. Students from kindergarten to grade 12, especially those from Kerala, have been dressing in traditional Kerala skirts, blouses, sarees, and mundus, bringing the spirit of Onam alive in their classrooms.
Members of the Malayali expat community in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are gearing up to celebrate Onam in traditional fervour and flavour. Families like Kishor Babu's will be marking the festival with ethnic attires, a traditional vegetarian feast known as Onasadhya, and pookkalam, the floral decorations unique to the festival.
Thiruvonam, the culmination of the 10-day Onam festival, falls on Friday, September 5. Some family friends and office colleagues have already celebrated Onam ahead of the main day due to the upcoming holiday.
As the UAE continues to celebrate Onam, it serves as a testament to the country's rich cultural diversity and the spirit of unity that binds its residents together.
