Onam is an annual cultural festival celebrated by expats from the south Indian state of Kerala, as well as people of various nationalities in the UAE. This year, Emirati government relations director Saeed Ali Al Kaabi joined in the festivities for the first time, experiencing traditional attire, food, and cultural stories. Typically, Keralites dress in kasavu mundus and sarees, create pookalam flower carpets, and enjoy an Onasadhya feast with over 20 dishes on Thiruvonam, the tenth day of the countdown to Onam.
Irish expat Brenda Lawlor also embraced the Onam celebrations, wearing a sari, enjoying a feast served on a banana leaf, and taking part in a tug of war at her office. For Brenda, participating in Onam was a way to connect with her Malayali colleagues and experience different cultures in the UAE. She shared photos of the celebration with her family in Ireland, highlighting the similarities between Irish and Malayali cultures in terms of family orientation and connection to the land.
Argentinian expat Maria Paz Jimenez, who married a Keralite husband four years ago, has celebrated Onam with her husband’s family every year. They gather at her husband’s cousin’s house for a homemade Sadhya feast served on banana leaves. Maria has grown to love the festival and has become skilled at serving the Sadhya in the traditional manner. This year, celebrating Onam with her twins, Leo Surya and Aarya Luna, was a special experience as they dressed in traditional clothes and participated in the festivities.
Overall, the celebration of Onam in the UAE brings together people from diverse backgrounds to experience and learn about the rich culture and traditions of Kerala. From sharing stories and enjoying traditional dishes to dressing in traditional attire and participating in cultural activities, Onam serves as a platform for cultural exchange and unity among different nationalities. Through these celebrations, expats like Saeed Ali Al Kaabi, Brenda Lawlor, and Maria Paz Jimenez create lasting memories and connections with their colleagues and families, bridging cultural gaps and fostering a sense of belonging in the multicultural society of the UAE.
