Happy Onam to all Keralites in Qatar
Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala during the Malayalam month of Chingam.
It marks the commemoration of King Mahabali returning to his subjects, and this year it falls on 28 August.
It marks the final day of the 10-day-long harvest festival in Kerala, where every house has unique classic, floral patterns called Pookalam.
Many restaurants in Doha are serving their guests with Onam Sadya, a traditional feast comprising of around 20 to 40 vegetarian dishes, traditionally served on banana leaf.
Here are some restaurants in Doha that serve the Sadya:
- Puttu Kada / Red Ginger
- Shalimar Palace
- Spice Boat
- Idly Factory
- Kerala House
- Garden Village Restaurant
- Indian Coffee House
- Lifestyle Restaurant
- MRA Restaurant
Which of the restaurants above are your favourite?
For Keralites in Qatar, the festivities last for over a month many events hosted by different Indian associations.
Do you know of any events happening? Please share below.
Check out our special HELLO page for newcomers to Doha and #QSF2015 updates
Who is typing on my behalf ? One comment is enough .............
Hi -Tech .......... More joys for you .............
Hi -Tech .......... More joys for you .............
same to all malayalees
same to all malayalees
They have millions of God born everyday, so everyday is festive day :p
Many queries remained unanswered ....................... .................
@brit naughty you...
Reporters, Please forgive , It's festive days ........... Just be positive ........... appreciate valuable inputs by other QLers ................. ..............
Did people at that time object to god Vishnu or not ............. ?
Who was rightful king Indra or Mahabali ? ...............................
Afsa, How is it that you call kind , generous and a demon-king was pushed down for his sacrifice ............. ? Then who ruled Kerala afterwards ............ ?
Onam Festival - The harvest festival of Kerala, Onam is a time for sports, festivities and ritual celebrations in Kerala. According to the legend Kerala was once ruled by the kind, generous and valiant demon-king Mahabali, who had won over the kingdom of heaven rightfully. However, as always Indra and other gods ran to Lord Vishnu to enlist his help and He promised them the kingdom of Heaven once again. Knowing about his generous and charitable nature, he went to the king in form of a Brahmin child called 'Vaman' and asked for three steps of land. Mahabali readily granted it to the child. However, Lord Vishnu then kept on increasing in size till he measured all of the Earth in one step and all of the Heaven with another. When he asked Mahabali, where to keep his third foot, the humbled king offered his head to him. Touched by the devotion and humility of the kind, Vishnu made him the King of the nether world and granted him the request that he may visit his kingdom every year for four days.
Keralites celebrate Onam to welcome their benevolent king and organize colorful aquatic festivals on the sacred Pampa River as part of the celebrations. A time to reap the harvest, to celebrate and to rejoice, Onam is usually held at the end of August or beginning of September, less than a fortnight after the Malayalam New Year begins. It is the biggest festival of Kerala. The 10-day long festival features rituals like buying new clothes, delicious traditional cuisines, dance and music. The last day called the Thiruonam is the most important. The elephant processions of Trichur and the Kathakali performances of Cheruthuruthy are some of the most reputed events during the festival. Pulikali or Kaduvakali, the rhythmic dance by the performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black moving with the beats of instruments like 'udukku' and 'thakil' is one of the highlights of the festival.
@ britexpat : have you seen the second image ( food items ,in the banana leaf ) ? That's known as "Sadya"... And "Pooja " means Hindu worship. :) . Hope you got it now.
Mods: please close this thread . It was supposed to be about Onam , but now they're talking about Sulieman's ex friends named Pooja and Sadya :0(
@dd, FYI... Onam is a Hindu festival and muslims shouldn't follow if there a POOJA.
Sadya ?
Is that the tall, dark haired one with hazel eyes ?
Man, that Sadya... *drooling*
FYI... Onam is not a Hindu festival .... Its festival of KERALA...... It celebrates everyone regardless religion and caste .
Happy Onam ... I will be at Rizks' Emporium today to celebrate
Onam is festival of Kerala(harvest festival.). Which coordinate unity of people beyond religion.
Be happy & spread the joys ................. ..........................
Onam Greeting to all Mallu's in Qatar :)