Kerala's Onam: A mix of tug of war, sadhya, and trending reels

Kerala is celebrating Onam, the 10-day harvest festival commemorating the mythical King Mahabali. The celebration is back in its full glory after being called off last year due to the Wayanad landslide. The tourism department has organised cultural programs across multiple venues for six days in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. These festivities were inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. While traditions like the Sadhya feast, floral carpets, and Tug of War continue, the festival now sees a modern twist with the younger generation celebrating on campuses by making reels to trending songs. One student noted the difference in celebrating with friends, stating, "Every year we celebrate with family, but it's a little bit different when we celebrate it with friends." Despite the evolution in how it is celebrated, the essence of Onam, reminding Keralites of peace and harmony, remains intact.