A few weeks ago, our family was graciously invited to celebrate Onam, a traditional Indian festival of Kerala with Indian friends. There were are the only Filipino among Indian friends. We watch our friends busily prepare the feast on top of banana leaves. We were told that the direction of the banana leaf as well as the placement of the food have a certain system. We just enjoyed watching them bustle about while the kids play and giggle all around the house.

It was a lovely new experience for our family to be experiencing Onam celebration with Indian friends. We had fun trying out the new foods. We ate with our hands and shared funny & interesting stories with each other over the feast.

Onam celebrates the return of a mythical, king – King Mahabali who unified communities like never been before. People adorned their household with beautiful floral carpets (Pookkalam) that are so exquisite and unique. The feast on banana leaf is called the Onasadya or Shadya with delicious payasam (Kerala dessert) to end the wonderful feast. Onam Festival signifies oneness and hope to Keralite people.

Malayalis or Keralites around the world celebrate this 10-day harvest festival of Kerala and the return of the legendary King Mahabali, by organising a grand feast, also known as Onam Sadhya. Traditionally, over two dozen vegetarian dishes are prepared for this grand feast and served on banana leaves.

The kids had so much fun playing with each other. While the adults enjoyed the food and chatting the afternoon away.

It was such a lovely celebration with friends and we were so happy get to part of it and experience Onam. Thank you to our wonderful gracious hosts, Dr. Arun Babu and his lovely wife, Chinchu Mohan.