KUWAIT: The Malayali community in Kuwait marked Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor. Known for its kaleidoscope of colors, flavors and cultural expressions, the 10-day festival reached its climax on the auspicious day of Thiruvonam. This year, the celebrations gained an extra spark as Thiruvonam fell on September 5, a Friday, making it easier for families to gather and rejoice.
“We are very happy this year because Thiruvonam was on a Friday and we could celebrate it delightfully with our families and friends,” said Regi Mathew, president of the expat theatre group KANA.
At the heart of the festivities was the elaborate Onasadya — the traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves with over two dozen dishes — lovingly prepared in Malayali homes. For many, the day turned into a vibrant occasion of family visits, social gatherings and nostalgic bonding.
Sensing the festive mood, several Indian restaurants in Kuwait offered special Onam meal packages, delivering the taste of Kerala to doorsteps across the city.
But Onam in Kuwait was not just about food. The festival also became a showcase of Kerala’s cultural ethos. Expatriate organizations hosted a variety of cultural programs, including musical shows and classical as well as contemporary dance performances, adding color and rhythm to the celebrations.
“Onam lives in the heart of every Malayali, no matter whether they live in India or abroad,” said Krishnachandran, an expatriate working in a jewelry shop in Salmiya. “It is heartening to note that the cultural ethos of Onam have been truly imbibed by our younger generation today,” he added.
Among the numerous events, the Thrissur Association’s celebration stood out as one of the largest, drawing more than 2,000 participants. “The event brought together everyone in a spirit of unity and collaboration. As a successful and meaningful celebration, it reflected our collective efforts, dedication and commitment to the organization’s goals,” said Shiny Frank, general secretary of the association.
Many other Indian organizations in Kuwait have lined up cultural programs in the coming Fridays to extend the festive spirit.
“In fact, every year during Onam season, we friends in the diaspora try to recreate the nostalgic moments of Onam in Kuwait,” said Shemej Kumar, patron of Future Eye Theatre, Kuwait. He noted a growing trend of interest from North Indian communities as well. “Probably they have become fascinated by the traditional Onasadya on banana leaves or the ubiquitous Onam attire with vibrant mural motifs,” he said.
