Onam amid pandemic: How people are celebrating in the second year of Covid

It is the second year in a row that Keralites are celebrating Onam amid the Covid-19 pandemic. While subdued celebrations go on, amid fear and caution, it sure doesn’t feel the same for many. Meera Kalyani asked a bunch of people on how they plan to mark the festival this year, and how different it feels to them. Here's what she found.

Asha Sankar, a teacher form Kochi, Kerala, remembers her father, who passed away last year this time. “Onam was the time when our family used to get together for the 10-day festivities. Last year, this time, I lost my father, an ardent figure, in the Onam fervour of our house”. “With the pandemic stealing the galore of the festival, I also feel a sense of void without my father. This time, i remember him, reminiscing our fun-filled celebrations and hoping for a much better on a next year,” the 46 year-old says. (Picture: Meera Kalyani)

Greeshma Kurian, an ACCA aspirant, can’t wait for the pandemic to get over. “For someone living in Thripunithura, it’s way too quiet. No Athachamayam this year and I miss seeing heaps of flowers on the side of streets, people clad in kasav saris and mundu, and the rush and excitement of the preparations that lead up to Thiruvonam. But I'm glad that people are limiting their celebrations to homes and are being cautious in the hopes of having Covid-free Onam in the coming years.” (Picture: Greeshma Kurien)

Hainz Martin, 25, is just excited to be home with his family. "I am home, that's all that matters. The only good thing this virus gave us is the chance to be home with family, something which I've been meaning to do for a while." (Picture: Hainz Martin)

Joseph Jose is a budding doctor. For someone doing their house surgency, Onam and its festivities are not in the picture right now, at least amid the pandemic. “Who wouldn't like to have a tummy full of sadhya followed by some yummy payasam and a good tight sleep? Oh well! I guess I'll be spending it with the toddlers at the paediatrics department on a 24 hour shift,” the 25-year-old says. (Picture: Joseph Jose)

Trivandrum-based Mithuna Ashok stressed the importance of celebrating the festival safely, adhering to the Covid-19 protocols. “Another Onam came by, amid the pandemic. Though subdued, Keralites still managed to celebrate it, adhering to Covid-19 protocols. Households were adorned with floral carpets and family members together prepared feasts (Onasadya)”. “I missed travelling and am a little bumped about celebrating it virtually, second time in a row but I understand. It is for our own good, because safety always comes first”, the 26-year-old IT professional adds. (Picture: Mithuna Ashok)

“Times like Onam are often when the family gets together after long. With families remaining dispersed for majority of the year, the return of every member to their roots is a heartfelt emotion among the elders," Rahul Radhakrishnan says. “This time though, much like last year, restrictions have been taken up a notch in lieu of the upcoming festival. Veena George, minister for Health and Woman and Child Development, had warned citizens of being ignorant of the situation and reminded them that the state wasn’t out of danger yet. With multiple restrictions being placed on organising events and get-togethers, the people have to brave yet another year of being separated, hoping for a little relief as we go on." (Picture: Rahul Radhakrishnan)

Sarath S Kumar can’t stop talking about the Onasadhya when asked about what Onam meant for him. “For some it's about the pookkalam (floral arrangement) and for some it's about the Onakkodi (New clothes). For me it's all about the sadhya. From the usual two to three dishes on my plate to a plethora of dishes, I could ask nothing more for that sudden beautiful adrenaline rush." “I hope this Onam marks a new beginning for every Malayali in the world and let this be the catalyst for that fire in every Malayali which never burns off in any obstacle,” the 25-year-old says. (Picture: Sarath S Kumar)

Sumithra Rajeev, 26, says she misses the shopping spree associated with the Onam festivities. "Onakodi (new clothes) is an integral part of the festival. However with Covid-19 still lingering in the country, there is a sense of fear among the people about going out, celebrating and shopping." (Picture: Sumithra Rajeev)

“Having missed not being with the family on Onam due to work commitments, Covid brought us together under the same roof for the second time which makes it special although we will miss out largely on the festive spirit," Tisha Jacob, a journalist based in Chennai says. (Picture: Tisha Jacob)

As another Onam passes amid the Covid-19 pandemic, 29-year-old Amal Thankachan hopes the situation changes next year. “There used to be a time when our relatives came home to celebrate Onam to make flower carpets and have sadhya together. But now, with the ongoing pandemic, festivities are robbed of their fun and galore. However I believe everything happens for a reason and hope for things to get better in the future. Wishing you All a happy Onam." (Picture: Amal Thankachan)