The pookalam is decorated; the aroma of the traditional Sadya wafts through the air, guests gather around feast-laden tables, and a joyous atmosphere fills the space. Yet, for those living in Goa away from home, the celebration is also about making the festival feel like a home away from home. While some have recently migrated to Goa from Keralam, others have been living here for decades. Over time, Goa, too, has embraced the festival of the neighbouring State and celebrates it like its own.
A growing presence
As the Malayali community in Goa prepares to celebrate Onam, the festival is gaining a significant presence in the State, with traditional games, cultural programmes and community gatherings bringing a touch of Keralam to Goa. Once celebrated largely within homes and Malayali associations, Onam is today observed across the globe, reflecting both the growth of the community and the wider participation the festival has begun to attract.
Reconnecting with home
For Malayalis living away from Keralam, Onam remains an important occasion to reconnect with home, culture and tradition. It is a festival that brings families and communities together, recreating the sights, sounds and flavours associated with the celebrations back home. From the elaborate flower arrangements that welcome King Mahabali to the traditional feast served on banana leaves, the celebrations offer a slice of Keralam in Goa. Viswambaran Parmeswaran, who has been living in Goa since 1981, narrates the story of King Mahabali. “There was a King Mahabali, a wise and kind demon (asura) king who ruled Keralam in an era of perfect peace; everywhere there was Happiness. Onam is thus celebrated in his honour and also as a harvest festival,” he explains. Onam is a festival celebrated for over 10 days, beginning with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam, which is the main day.
Celebrating oneness
Cutting across caste, religion, and class, Onam stands out as a festival that celebrates the oneness and unique cultural traits of Keralam. “The 'Sadhya' (traditional food), 'Pookkalam', the gala that comes with it is just the tip of the joy that the festival brings with it,” remarks Sachin, pointing out that what Onam truly stands for is cultural diversity. “No matter where we are, we Malayalis shall always share our love for Onam. Onam Ashamsagal,” he states.
Goa’s cultural embrace
Shini Varghese, who has been living in Goa for the last 2 years, finds it beautiful to witness Onam becoming a part of Goa’s cultural landscape. “I have always seen Goa to be a place where different cultures, traditions and communities come together with open hearts, and Onam is another lovely example of that inclusiveness,” she adds. What makes her especially happy is seeing her neighbours and friends who are not Malayalis also showing genuine interest in the festival. “They even become a part of making pookalam (rangoli made with flowers), Onam Sadya, and wearing the traditional attire Kasavu (traditional saree) along with me,” she remarks with a smile!
Beyond Malayalis
For many, Onam is not limited to being just a festival celebrated only by the Malayalis anymore; it is increasingly becoming a celebration of togetherness, food, culture and happiness that everyone can become a part of and enjoy. For Parmeswaran, the favourite part of the festival is to see everybody come together. “It is a beautiful feeling to be celebrating the festival with my near and dear ones and food,” he remarks.
For Varghese, the favourite part of Onam has always been showcasing the variety of Keralan cuisine. “It is beyond just Idli and Sambar, and of course it is very special,” she says. Dressed up in Kasavu, making the pookalam, she adds that simply enjoying each other’s company brings so much joy!
Missing home
For those living in Goa away from their house, the festival brings with it a hint of sadness as many don’t always travel back to Keralam for Onam. “Of course, I do miss the atmosphere back home, the banter with cousins, the excitement, the decorated houses, the smell of traditional food being prepared, pookalam competitions and that very distinctive feeling that comes with celebrating Onam in Keralam,” she says, adding that back home the festival is truly diverse. “In Keralam it's more harmonious as all parts of religious society, be it Hindus, Christians or Muslims, come forward and celebrate it as one.”
New memories
This year she celebrated Onam here in Goa with her neighbours, friends and family. “I am blessed to have this wonderful neighbourhood who are always happy to come forward to help and support. Everyone was excited to know about the stories associated with Onam,” she reckons. For her, she adds, it was more about getting everyone together than making it a big celebration. “We ate, laughed, spoke for hours and just enjoyed being around each other. And honestly, that's what I love about Onam,” she remarks.
For those living away from Keralam, Onam may carry memories of home, but in Goa, those memories are increasingly being replaced by new ones. With neighbours and friends joining in the celebrations, the festival continues to find a place beyond the Malayali community, bringing people together through food, traditions and the shared joy of Onam.
