Onam sets in, UAE expats reconnect with roots

Dubai - 7,000 Indian expats, mostly Malayalees, attend two-day Onam celebrations held in Dubai

Onam celebration seems to be brighter and bigger than ever before, and it started with pomp and glitter in the city.
Around half of Indian population in Dubai are from Kerala, and being the largest secular festival in the state, Onam is close to every Malayalee heart.
This year, for the UAE Malayalees, it is very special as it comes during the Eid Al Adha holidays.
Marking the celebrations, a two-day special event was organised at Lamcy Plaza and Arabian Centre on last Thursday and Friday.
With colourful cultural feast and other fun activities, this year's special event was attended by around 7,000 Indian expats.
"We are very particular about adding traditional elements to the festivities arranged for our patrons. The response has been overwhelming for the last four years, which encourages us to experiment and make this festival more colourful and unique," said Tim Jones, COO, Arabian Centre and Lamcy Plaza.
Traditional dance items Kathakali, Thiruvathira and Mohiniyattam; Singarimelam (traditional orchestra of five instruments), snake boat races, 'pulikali' (folk art in which participants dress up as tigers), pookalam contest (floral carpet) and sumptuous Onam sadhya (banquet lunch) were the highlights of the programme.
Subhaga Nair, a student and one of the performers at the event was excited to be part of the show for the second time.
She said: "I am learning traditional dance since I was a child and these cultural occurrences give me a chance to showcase my talent and connect with my roots."
Another performer, Dhilna Ramprasoon, mother of two, who is living in Dubai since her childhood, said: "This year I am going to call my friends and close relatives and will prepare Sadhya for them. I will also buy a traditional saree for myself."
Renal CK, who came with his wife and 2-year-old son to experience the grand affair, said: "I am living in Dubai since 2 years but this is the first time I am attending Onam celebration in the mall. I remember last year we did a small gathering at our home."
ankita@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai