The festivities continue as the Indian community comes together to celebrate Onam, a humble harvest festival that has gained mainstream momentum in Bahrain and beyond, uniting people from different backgrounds. 
Onam is a vibrant 10-day affair, marking the annual homecoming of the legendary and benevolent king, Mahabali, who once ruled Keralam. While many might argue that the excitement runs high throughout the month, the 10th day – Thiruvonam – is essentially the main event. 
Families in Bahrain celebrated Thiruvonam yesterday, August 26, honouring time-held traditions, from the lavish Onam sadhya (feast) to the pookalam (flower décor). GulfWeekly takes a look at some of the major cultural practices, including unique family activities that make the holiday so endearing.  
The anatomy of a sadhya 
Traditionally served on a banana leaf, the sadhya comprises a mouth-watering spread with diverse flavour profiles and temperatures. While the meal is typically vegetarian, it could feature non-vegetarian dishes depending on which part of Keralam is celebrating. In the Malabar region, recipes like prawn roast, chicken roast and beef fry are commonly added to the menu. 
“I am from Mahe and my husband is from Kannur, the north of Keralam, so, our sadhya is a little different than the traditional south version,” Prabha Purushotham from Um Al Hassam told GulfWeekly. 
The retired physical education teacher and Bahrain resident of 39 years noted that her ‘record’ sadhya featured 32 items, including a modern spin on the traditional pachadi – a yoghurt-based side dish. Instead of the typical cucumber or beetroot, Prabha’s mixed fruit pachadi is a party of cherries, pineapple, grapes, mango, blueberry, peaches and pomegranate seeds.
“I learned most of my cooking from my husband. I did not even know how to boil rice when I moved to Bahrain but now I can make an entire feast. After all these years my husband is still in charge of making the sambar (lentil), rasam (broth) and avial (vegetables),” the 65-year-old confessed. 
Bring on the blooms
Come Onam, every household is adorned with pookalam – the traditional floral carpet made with fresh flower petals on the floor. Some of the blooms used are marigold, Ceylon slitwort and mukuthi (tiny yellow variety), as well as holy basil leaves; lending the pattern a pop of green, they are placed for their sacred value. While in India, people pluck flowers from their garden or backyard, in Bahrain, many buy the colourful petals. 
The tradition honours the 10-day format, with families starting the designs from the first day and then building it over 10 days. Pookalam is set up at home entrances welcoming king Mahabali but some might choose to have it indoors as well.
For many, Onam traditions are a way to connect to their roots especially those living away from home. Among them is Ajitha Spencer from Adliya. 
“Growing up in Delhi, Onam has always felt special. It was the time I saw my friends and neighbours, across religious lines, gather together to celebrate. I felt more connected to my roots as a Malayali with Onam,” explained the 49-year-old homemaker, who prepared a whopping 40 dishes last year. 
“One ritual that you do not hear about is the customary afternoon nap that takes over everyone after the scrumptious feast. As the sadhya is typically eaten at lunch during a hot time of day, a two-hour nap is inevitable,” she remarked.
 
Festive weaves 
Balancing the riot of colours on the dining table and décor, onakodi or the traditional clothing worn during the festival, is often muted. Women wear the kasavu sari – an off-white or cream handloom fabric with a distinct golden border. However, modern variations include colours or images of deities. 
The men don the mundu (wrap-around lower piece) with a shirt and neriyathu or ‘shawl’. Younger girls wear the pattu pavadai (‘skirt and blouse’). A popular trend among families is to wear matching coordinated festive sets. 
Wearing new clothes is symbolic of renewal, prosperity and a fresh beginning, which is the essence of Onam – the new year – which is celebrated during Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar.
A local group of creatives has released a song to bring alive the spirit of Onam. Setting new bars, CNC Media filmed the track as a single, continuous shot. Written by Sreejith Sreekumar, Paathaalarajan features music composition and vocals by Shibin Siddiq. The video features choreography by Jyothi Master and cinematography by Hariz Ekkachu. The song is available @cncmediabah on Instagram.