It’s a low-key Onam for Malayalees in Chennai

“It was a hectic week for me because I am shifting my store from Nungambakkam to Injambakkam. Only when my mother reminded me about Onasadhya, I realised that Onam is in a few days. It is one of my most favourite festivals and we used to celebrate it in a big manner every year. From putting pookalam (flower carpet) to inviting guests over for a lavish feast, Onam day was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm,”he said.

Speaking about his plans this year, Suresh says, “I am planning to have a small celebration at home with a few of my close friends. Since social distancing is in place, we won’t be stepping out. My mother loves to cook and I am sure she is going to make some tasty dishes for sadya. My sister is planning to buy flowers and put a flower carpet as well. Since we are in a state that we cannot predict anything, I think it is too early to plan for any celebration.”

From inviting friends and relatives, buying gifts to making all must-have dishes for Onasadhya, entrepreneur Beena Unnikrishnan’s Onam preparations used to begin a few weeks in advance. Well, this year, the celebrations are muted because of the pandemic. “This year, all festivals will be celebrated subtly. Since we cannot step out, Onam will be celebrated at our home in a small manner. I am not cooking on that day instead we are planning to order sadhya from a nice restaurant. I thought of giving the kitchen a holiday! Also, we didn’t buy any Onakodi (clothes that are usually bought during Onam) this time. Pandemic has taught us to enjoy life and I think, our lives need to be celebrated. The year 2020 also taught us that everybody should be treated equally and that’s the same teaching of Mahabali,” Beena tells us.

She is also looking forward to the celebrations via Zoom that her entire family is hosting. “Even my relatives in Kerala are unable to travel; so we are depending on technology to be part of celebrations. Sometimes, I feel that technology has made our families closer,” she says.

Traditionally, the making of the pookalam begins on the Atham day, ten days before Thiruonam (the main festival) and Jyothi Gokul is following the same tradition. “Initially, I was wondering whether to celebrate the festival or not. But I decided to celebrate Onam as a low-key affair. Usually, festivals bring in a lot of joy to people. I wanted to keep the festival spirit alive in my family also. I am planning to make a mini sadhya at home. My sister is in New Delhi and my parents are in Kerala; so, we might be having a video call on Thiruonam and exchange wishes,” says Jyothi.