The spirit of Onam, Kerala’s vibrant harvest festival, was in full swing across the UAE on Wednesday as eager residents queued outside restaurants long before the noon lunch hour. Clad in traditional attire, families and office colleagues gathered to savor the elaborate multi-course sadhya served on banana leaves. For many, this annual tradition is a vital connection to home; some travelers journeyed from different emirates just to share a meal with loved ones, while others made early reservations to avoid the long wait times that usually accompany the festive rush.

Local restaurants rose to the occasion, with many establishments pivoting their entire operations to accommodate the massive demand. Staff members often began preparations before dawn to chop vegetables and cook the dozens of dishes required for the feast. The response was overwhelming, with several popular eateries selling out of hundreds of meals by early afternoon. Beyond the restaurant scene, offices across the region also embraced the festivities, as employees took short breaks to enjoy the traditional cuisine together, proving that even miles away from Kerala, the community spirit and joy of the harvest season remain deeply rooted.