For Malayalis living across the UK, the arrival of Onam is a bittersweet affair. It’s a time when the heart aches with a powerful longing for home, for the sight of lush green fields and the scent of jasmine and rain-soaked earth. The 10-day festival, steeped in myth and tradition, is a homecoming in itself, a vibrant celebration of King Mahabali's annual return to his beloved state of Kerala. Yet, for those thousands of miles away, the festival is a poignant reminder of the distance, of the familiar warmth of family and community that is often so far away.
But this separation, rather than dampening the spirit, fuels a determination to recreate the magic of Onam on British shores. The yearning for home becomes a powerful catalyst, driving communities across the UK to come together, to share in the joy and labour of keeping their traditions alive. It's an emotional and communal effort, a beautiful tapestry woven from shared memories and a collective desire to pass on a rich cultural heritage to a new generation.
One such person dedicated to recreating this sense of home is Chef Manoj Karnavar, the owner of Tindli restaurant. Speaking with Asian Voice, Chef Manoj shared his passion for creating an authentic Onam experience. “There will be 10 days of celebration at the restaurant,” he said. "From 29th onwards there will be an Onam feast at the restaurant, where people would wear traditional clothes like Mundu and Saree. There will be Sadya with 34 dishes including authentic Kerala Onam dishes as well as varieties of sweets like Panchamritham. There will be celebrity guests present for the feast."
His commitment goes beyond mere business; it's a heartfelt mission to evoke a sense of belonging. "Authenticity is our speciality. It is about creating a nostalgic memory,” he explained. With 32 years of experience in top hotels, Manoj understands that food is not just sustenance; it’s a cultural bridge. “The feast is a get-together, not just business,” he added, capturing the very essence of Onam, a time for community, sharing, and rekindling connections.
This sentiment is echoed by Sreejith Sreedharan, the Chair of the Malayali Association of UK (MAUK), an organisation with a legacy stretching back to the 1930s. He told Asian Voice that MAUK is organising three key events to mark the festival. The first is a grand Onam Sadya for 300 people, a monumental undertaking that relies on the collective spirit of the community. "It is all about maintaining traditions," Sreejith explained. "All the families participate in the preparation of dishes, where small dishes are prepared from home by a few families and the rest is made at the designated venue, which is indeed a lot of work. But in the end what matters the most is that we are still taking forward our traditions."
This act of shared labour, of coming together to create a feast, is a powerful reminder of the communal heart of Onam. The MAUK's commitment also extends back to Kerala, with a parallel event organised for orphanages and old-age homes, a testament to the festival's message of generosity and compassion.
Beyond the feast, MAUK is also focusing on the future. A special event, "Piller Onam," is dedicated to educating the younger generation about the significance of the festival. A vital effort to ensure that the rich cultural heritage is not lost but passed on to those who are growing up in a different land. The final event, a vibrant display of games and celebrations, also with events which welcomes non malayalis as well, concludes the festivities, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a renewed sense of connection to their roots.
For many Malayalis in the UK, Onam is no longer just a festival; it is a profound act of defiance against distance and time. It is a testament to the enduring power of culture and community. In a foreign land, they find a way to bring Kerala to them, to fill their homes and hearts with the colours, flavours, and spirit of Onam. The yearning for home never truly fades, but through these beautiful celebrations, they discover that home isn't just a place, it's a feeling, a memory, and a community that they carry with them wherever they go.
