Festive preparations reach peak across Kerala and the GCC as families mark First Onam ahead of Thiruvonam celebrations
KOZHIKODE — Millions of Malayalis across Kerala and the Gulf region are celebrating First Onam, also known as Uthradam, marking the penultimate day of the 10-day harvest festival. Towns and cities witnessed heavy rush in markets and retail hubs on Tuesday as families gathered last-minute provisions and fresh produce ahead of the main Thiruvonam day.
The day of Uthradam holds unique cultural significance as the prelude to Thiruvonam. Traditionally known as Uthradapachal, local markets, flower bazaars, and textile shops across Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and major GCC hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha experienced intense festive activity throughout the day.
Households across the region laid out larger Pookalams (floral carpets) and made final arrangements for the grand Onam Sadhya—the multi-course traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. The festival commemorates the legendary reign of King Mahabali and celebrates agricultural abundance across the state.
In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, home to millions of Kerala expatriates, community organizations and cultural groups hosted early gatherings, traditional arts performances, and community feasts. Expatriate forums in the UAE and wider Middle East extended greetings to the diaspora, highlighting the deep cultural connections maintained across borders.
State transport services operated special buses, while railways managed extra passenger volume to handle the homecoming rush of workers and students traveling to their native towns for the four-day official Onam holiday sequence in Kerala.
