Onam Celebrations: Dubai's Vibrant Cultural Feast

Celebrating Onam in Dubai: Tradition, Community, Flavors, and Experiences in the Desert Heart

In the unique cultural melting pot of the United Arab Emirates, one of the most important festivals for the Indian community, Onam, is gaining more attention year by year. Originating from the southern Indian state of Kerala, this harvest festival was initially meant to celebrate the gathering of crops, but over time, it has become a symbol of togetherness, family, traditions, and communal feasts—even if one lives far from their homeland. Dubai’s multicultural environment provides an excellent opportunity for the spirit of Onam to touch the hearts of communities from all over the world.

Onasadhya – The Festival Feast with Over 30 Dishes

One of the most significant elements of Onam is the Onasadhya, a traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, consisting of more than 30 different dishes. This ceremonial meal not only provides a culinary experience but also represents culture, respect, and hospitality. In Dubai, dozens of restaurants offer Onasadhya menus during this time, and in various neighborhoods such as Karama, Bur Dubai, or Al Nahda, people line up for entry.

Traditional dishes like parippu (lentil stew), sambar (vegetable curry), avial (vegetable stew with coconut milk), and payasam (sweet rice pudding) are all included in the menu. Many families start the celebrations by the morning and intentionally skip breakfast to make room for the festive meal.

Pookalam, Mahabali, and Shared Memories

Streets, homes, and community centers are adorned with pookalam, circular floral carpets decorating entrances, which express beauty and joy. The festive atmosphere heightens when someone appears in costume representing the mythical King Mahabali—symbolically returning to his people.

The legend tells of Mahabali, a just and popular ruler who was banished by jealous gods but returns once a year during Onam to see how his subjects live. This story serves as a metaphor for loyalty, hope, and respect for the past, and carries strong emotional resonance even in the modern world.

Celebration in the Desert and City Heart

One unique aspect of Dubai is that Onam celebrations are not confined to traditional Indian quarters of the city but creatively extend to the desert. Some people drive out to the sand dunes in four-wheel-drive vehicles to host their Onam festivities at sunset—in traditional attire, with music, communal cooking, and floral decorations. In some years, Mahabali even “arrives” at these events personified by an actor in costume.

Others prefer to visit the city’s temples, such as the Jebel Ali Hindu Temple, to begin their festivities there. After this spiritual commencement, many choose a communal lunch spot at a restaurant in Karama. Different generations—grandparents, parents, grandchildren—participate in the events together, and often groups of friends gather at tables.

Children’s First Experiences and Cultural Heritage

The festival is not only about reminiscing the past but also shaping the future. Many families introduce their youngest members to the Onam atmosphere for the first time this year. This includes their first sadhya, first floral carpet, and first family photo in traditional attire—moments that become lifelong memories. Parents consciously strive to pass on the Indian heritage, even if they have been living in the UAE for many years or even decades.

All of this is particularly important in a city like Dubai, where people from all over the world converge, and cultures freely intermix. During Onam, it's common for non-Indian friends to join the festivities, getting to know the Malayalam traditions and tasting the rich flavors.

Creative Celebration and Modern Technology

Onam in Dubai is not just about preserving traditions but also reimagining them. A Dubai-based artist, for example, used artificial intelligence to create a striking image of the Burj Khalifa envisioned as a pookalam surrounded by flowers—visually linking the local iconic landmark with Indian cultural roots.

Social media also plays a crucial role in spreading the festival: people share their pookalams, sadhya images, family videos, and even Onam-related outfits and jewelry.

The True Message of Onam in Dubai

Ultimately, Onam in Dubai is more than just a festival; it is a demonstration of community strength and the preservation of cultural identity. The Indian community sets an example of how to maintain roots while living in another country, staying open to other cultures as well. Onam celebrates memories, new experiences, shared meals, and diversity—all fitting perfectly into Dubai’s vibrant, inclusive world.

(Source: Based on Dubai Onam festival.)