Malayalees across Chennai are coming together to celebrate Onam today. A local holiday has been declared in Chennai. People decorate their houses with Pookolam and prepare Onam Sadhya.
Pookalam is a flower rangoli made with fresh yellow flowers. It is considered as a symbol of good luck, says Unni Mukindhan, a resident of Nanganallur
‘We invite relatives and friends for grand Onam Sadhya. We cook 13 dishes including Rrce, vegetable curry, curd and Payasam (sweet stew) and serve it on banana leaves. Payasam is considered as the must having dish on Onam. It is prepared by milk, rice, sugar and coconut.’
Various cultural events from boat races, dance forms, Rangoli, colourful art, food and traditional clothing take place during this festival in Kerala, he adds.
Ayyappa temples in Chennai including Mahalingapuram and Madipakkam besides Anantapadamanabha Swamy temple in Adyar are decked up for the occasion.