Panaji: For Goa’s Malayali community, Onam returns to the traditions of home, family and community, with the traditional sadhya and pookalam taking centre stage. Ayappa temples in Goa have been observing the traditional 10-day pookalam ritual from Atham to Thiruvonam, with the largest floral decoration planned for the main Onam day.The festivities will not end with Thiruvonam. Goa’s Malayali associations across Vasco, Zuarinagar, Margao, Ponda, Bicholim, Panaji, Calangute and Mapusa will organise their own celebrations, largely on Sundays, over the coming weeks.According to PC Prasad, member of the All India Malayalee Association and former secretary at Shree Ayyappa temple at Mangor, Vasco, around 13 Malayali associations are active across these areas, with celebrations expected to continue through Aug and Sep.“For Goa’s Malayali population, Onam brings together two dimensions of community life— the preservation of Kerala’s cultural traditions and the strengthening of social networks in their adopted home,” he said.“The traditional sadhya, pookalam and temple visits will provide the cultural framework for Thiruvonam, while the association-led programmes in the weeks ahead will give larger groups an opportunity to celebrate together,” he added.Professor Irfan Mirza, director and principal of the VM Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE), said that the institute will observe an elaborate Onam festival on Thursday. The occasion will be graced by outgoing vice-chancellor of Goa University, professor Harilal Menon.“The highlight of the celebration is undoubtedly the grand Onasadya— a traditional feast served on banana leaves, Mirza said, adding that the elaborate spread features around 21 delicious dishes, including parippu curry, sambar, avial, thoran, olan, pachadi, kichadi, pulissery, banana chips, sharkara varatti, pappadam, pickle and the much-loved payasam.
