Happy Onam to all my readers, whether you are Malayalee or not. This festival, the biggest for the state of Kerala and it’s people, marks the harvest season and the 10th day of the festival is usually the one most people note as Onam or Thiruvonam. Traditionally it is also marked as the time than an ancient, beloved king Maveli (Kerala’s version of Santa Claus, although he doesn’t bring us presents) returns to visit his people once a year.

This is a day for family to get together and have a lavish lunch of traditional Kerala vegetarian dishes in an afternoon sadhya. This is also followed by a payasam or two. The feast is served on banana leaves and is looked forward to by all the family members. Enjoy Thiruvonam with all your family members.