Kerala expats in UAE begin extended 11-day Onam festival as lunar stars align

Indian expatriates from Kerala across the UAE have commenced an extended 11-day Onam festival this year, a shift from the traditional 10-day period caused by a rare lunar calendar alignment. The harvest festival, which marks the mythical homecoming of King Mahabali, officially began with the Atham star on Sunday, 16 August. Lunar calendar shifts schedule The extension to 11 days is due to the Vishakham star falling across two calendar dates, on Wednesday, 19 August and Thursday, 20 August. This astrological overlap pushes the festival's main day, Thiruvonam, to Wednesday, 26 August. According to local residents, the last time the UAE Keralite community observed an 11-day countdown was in 2017. The UAE is home to an estimated one million Keralites, representing nearly a quarter of the country's Indian population. Supply chains and chartered flights Logistical preparations are scaling up to meet the demands of the Malayali community. The Lulu Group confirmed on Tuesday, 18 August, that more than 2,500 tonnes of fresh perishables, including banana leaves, coconuts, and vegetables, are being flown from Kerala to Gulf markets. A dedicated chartered flight from Kochi arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday with 50 tonnes of produce, with a second 60-tonne shipment scheduled for 20 August to ensure supply for the traditional 'Sadhya' feast. Retail and community events Public celebrations are expanding into major UAE commercial hubs. BurJuman mall is hosting a floral arrangement…