WATCH: How is the Onam festival celebrated in Qatar?

Onam, the annual harvest festival which originated in Kerala, has now been popularized because of the expat community in Qatar.

This special festival usually features colorful decorations, traditional dances, the delicious Onam Sadhya (traditional meal), and much more!

Qatar Living was invited to participate in such an event thanks to the generosity of MRA restaurant and a small group of family and friends from Kerala.

The Onam celebrations are unlike any other, showcasing the rich culture of Kerala which is located in the south of India.

Celebrated each year during the months of August and September, Onam falls on the first month of the Malayalam calendar called Chingam.

Although Onam is celebrated lavishly often lasting up to two weeks in Kerala, it is more commonly celebrated during the weekends by the South Indian community here in Qatar.

Some of you may have witnessed the much popular flower carpets often referred to as ‘Pookalam’ during this period, in addition to one of the traditional dances called ‘Thiruvathira’.

For ladies, a white, off-white, or cream saree with a golden border known as a Kerala saree, while for men, a white-colored mundu or dhoti with kasavu border combined with a shirt or kurta is primarily worn during Onam.

After a few engaging activities, everyone looks forward to the Onam Sadhya with high anticipation. Sadhya is a traditional Kerala meal eaten on a banana leaf that is vegetarian in most cases.

A regular Sadhya can feature anything from two to three dozen dishes, with some going as high as 64, and is one of the major attractions of the Onam festival.

Served specifically during Onam, one can find the Onam Sadhya in some of the South Indian restaurants in Qatar.

MRA Qatar is currently allowing its customers to pre-book its grand MRA Sadhya box for you and your loved ones. You can contact them at +974 44024666

Will you be partaking in the Onam festivities this year? Let us know in the comments section below.

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram -  @qatarliving

Twitter -  @qatarliving

Facebook -  Qatar Living

YouTube  -  qatarlivingofficial