{
  "id": 1844160,
  "title": "Onam 2026 in UAE: Indian expats from Kerala to mark not 10, but 11-day festival — here’s why",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/onam-2026-in-uae-indian-expats-from-kerala-to-mark-not-10-but-11-day",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T01:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/onam-2026-in-uae-indian-expats-from-kerala-to-mark-not-10-but-11-day-festival-heres-why-1.500645028"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE: Indian expatriates from the Kerala region of India are observing a 11-day Onam festival this year, deviating from the traditional 10-day celebration. This unique occurrence is attributed to the Malayalam calendar, which uses lunar mansion stars, or nakshatras, to designate important dates. Normally, the core countdown of Onam spans across 10 \"star days,\" starting with Atham and culminating on Thiruvonam, the main day of the festival. However, in 2026, Thiruvonam fell on the 11th calendar day due to the Nakshatra Vishakham falling across two calendar dates, August 19 and 20. Consequently, Thiruvonam was observed on August 26, instead of the expected 10th day, as Atham marked the beginning of the traditional countdown on August 16. This deviation has not gone unnoticed, as Rajalakshmi P, a housewife in Dubai, mentioned that this last happened in 2017. Onam, the major harvest festival in Kerala, commemorates the legendary return of the virtuous King Mahabali, known for his reign of prosperity and equality. The festival is marked by floral decorations, a lavish vegetarian meal known as sadhya, cultural performances, traditional games, and family gatherings. Among the Malayali community in the UAE, Onam has become an integral part of the country's cultural calendar. Preparations for the festivities include the purchase of traditional Kerala outfits such as mundu and sarees, with some retailers in Dubai offering designs featuring UAE landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future. Fresh vegetables, coconuts, banana leaves, and other ingredients are being flown in from Kerala to fulfill the seasonal demand, with over 2500 tonnes of perishables and Onam-related food essentials transported by air by the Lulu Group. Cultural events and contests, including pookkalam competitions and performances of traditional dance forms like Thiruvathira and Mohiniyattam, are being organized in Dubai's malls and hypermarkets, showcasing the festival's growing visibility in public spaces. The celebration of Onam in the UAE extends beyond the official festival period, with community gatherings held over successive weekends, featuring participation from renowned Malayali personalities like Mammootty and Kunchacko Boban.",
  "summary": "Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Onam celebrations are under way across the UAE, with Indian expats from the south Indian state of Kerala gearing up for a festival that runs an extra day this year. Homes, community groups, shops and public venues are all preparing for the annual celebrations of the state festival. The change in the length of the harvest festival is linked to the Malayalam calendar, which uses…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}