Ahmedabad: Pookalams brightened homes, Thrikkakara Appans took pride of place and banana leaves were filled with Onasadhya as Keralites across Gujarat celebrated Thiruvonam on Wednesday.The festival, traditionally associated with the Malayalee community, is now drawing in people from other states too. While many families prepared the elaborate feast at home, caterers and restaurants also offered special Onam menus.
Malayalees making pookalams as part of Onam celebrations in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
“Onam has gradually crossed the boundaries of the Malayalee community in Gujarat. Neighbours, colleagues and institutions now join Malayalee families in extending greetings and celebrating the festival,” said Dr K M Ramachandran, president of the Federation of Gujarat Malayalee Associations (FEGMA).
Students at Sree Narayana Guru College of Commerce celebrating Onam festival on campus in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Wednesday
Celebrations will continue across Gujarat over the next few weeks. Various Kerala Samajam forums, community organisations, temples, churches, educational institutions and cultural groups are planning cultural programmes, family gatherings and traditional feasts, especially on Sundays.The festival has also found a place in Gujarat’s wider social calendar, with restaurants serving Onam sadhyas on banana leaves to diners beyond the Malayalee community.
