Onam, the vibrant and cherished festival of Kerala, need not be confined to its homeland. Even if you’re miles away from Kerala, you can still immerse yourself in the festive spirit and celebrate Onam with fervour. Discover how to recreate the magic of this rich cultural extravaganza right in your own space, as we present a comprehensive guide to celebrating Onam outside Kerala.
Set the Stage: Recreate the Ambience
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Begin by recreating the welcoming ambience of Kerala in your own abode. Adorn your space with pookalam, the intricately designed floral rangoli, reminiscent of blooming flower carpets that adorn Kerala homes during Onam. Enhance the visual delight with traditional lamps and fairy lights illuminating your space, echoing the warmth of Kerala’s festivals.
Attire: Drape in Elegance
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Bring Kerala’s elegance to your celebrations through attire. Embrace the grace of the traditional white dhoti and shirt for men, while women can revel in the elegance of the Kerala saree, resplendent with its characteristic gold border.
Sadya Splendour: Indulge in Culinary Delights
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The heart of Onam lies in the sumptuous Onam Sadya, a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. Recreate the magic by preparing traditional dishes like avial, olan, and payasam. You can also explore local Indian restaurants that might offer special Onam Sadya. You can also take out Sadya as one of the Onam gifts and surprise them with the sweetest indulgence ever.
Pookalam: Create Your Own Floral Masterpiece
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Gather friends and family to create a pookalam – a vibrant floral carpet – right in your backyard or living room. Collaborating on this intricate art form can be a bonding experience and a stunning centrepiece for your celebrations.
Games and Activities: Infuse Joy
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Transport yourself to Kerala’s rustic charm by organising age-old games like tug of war, where camaraderie reigns supreme. Engage in pookalam competitions, letting your creative juices flow, or participate in uriyadi (pot-breaking), an age-old tradition that adds excitement to the festivities.
Cultural Showcase: Embrace the Arts
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Whether it’s the grace of Thiruvathira or the vibrant energy of Pulikali – have your loved ones groove to the traditional dance forms of Kerala. Rediscovering the beauty of Kerala’s music, dance and art will unite your celebration with the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Gifts and Tokens: Spread Happiness
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Exchange Onam gifts symbolising prosperity, joy, and blessings with your loved ones. Consider gifting handcrafted items, or even a small pot of rice which is a traditional Onam gesture. If you won’t be able to present in person, you can also send onam flowers in Dubai, Al Ain or anywhere you want in the UAE. You can also take a look at some of the top Onam gift ideas that your family will adore.
Connect Virtually: Share the Joy
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In today’s digital age, connect with family and friends through video calls. So, when celebrating Onam Outside Kerala, you can choose to share your festive moments, virtual pookalams and relish the togetherness despite the physical distance.
Celebrating Onam outside Kerala doesn’t require you to compromise on the vibrancy and significance of this cultural extravaganza. All you need to do is embrace the traditions, flavours and rituals to create your own memorable Onam experience, spreading joy and fostering a sense of unity no matter where you are.
