Photos: Indian expats from Kerala in UAE celebrate Onam

Malayali expats from the South Indian state celebrated Thiruvonam on Tuesday. Above, floral decoration for Onam at the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali.

A floral carpet laid out at the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali. Thiruvonam is the most important day of the 10-day long harvest festival Onam. It celebrates the mythological homecoming of King Mahabali or Maveli, whose rule marked the golden era of the state, according to Hindu beliefs.

Malayali children in Dubai form a Pookalam (floral design on the floor) as part of Onam celebrations.

Celebrated by Malayalis across the world irrespective of their religions, Thiruvonam falling on a working day this year meant most of the one million strong Keralites in the UAE savouring the sadhya, the highlight of the festival, made in eateries. Above, staff at an office in Dubai celebrate onam .

Earlier, several healthcare workers from the Burjeel Medical City came together to spread the message of sustainability and cultural diversity by laying out a 250-square-metre Pookalam ahead of Onam. The frontliners offered a floral tribute to the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the COP28 Climate Change Conference the country will be hosting this year.

Preparing for the floral decoration in Dubai.

Students of Indian High school, Garhoud celebrate Onam.