For most Malayalis, Onam doesn't begin with Atham. It starts weeks earlier — with shopping lists, fresh kasavu clothes, gifts for loved ones, and homes slowly getting ready for the celebrations.
Local Sustainable Living in Maradu hopes to recreate that month-long excitement this August, while putting the spotlight on the people who make the products that become an important part of the festive season.
After introducing Kochi to an alternative way of celebrating Onam last year, the community space is back with another edition of its sustainable Onam fair. Founded by Noufal Mehboob and Mujeeb Abdul, Local Sustainable Living operates from a restored heritage tharavadu in Maradu.
And the duo describe the event as an extension of their 'Local Sustainable Fest', with the idea of carrying that philosophy into the Onam season.
Last year's Onam celebration by the team lasted three days. It brought together music, traditional games, workshops, food and handcrafted products, offering visitors an experience rooted in Kerala's festive traditions. This year, it will be similar, but the festivities will last a month with an extra focus on 'sustainability'.
Running till August 31, the fair features local ‘makers’ and entrepreneurs who have specially created Onam-related products. The products range from food products, handmade art, crafts and festive gifts, to festive clothing.
Mujeeb says the month-long format is intentional. Instead of limiting the experience to a weekend market, it gives visitors reasons to return through August while allowing vendors more time to showcase their work and build a customer base.
Every product on display at the fair has one thing in common — it has been made by the vendor selling it. "Our main criterion was that the products should be made by the people exhibiting them. We didn't want products bought wholesale and resold," says Mujeeb.
“Most of the participating vendors are from Kerala, while a few have joined from Tamil Nadu. We welcome creators from anywhere in the country,” he adds.
The idea, Mujeeb says, is to help small-scale sellers, many of whom work from their homes, reach a larger audience.
"Many of them know how to make excellent products, but they may not know how to market them," he says. "We wanted to support them beyond just providing a stall."
Besides shopping, visitors can take part in a range of Onam-themed workshops. These include sessions such as upcycling old kasavu into jewellery and other useful items, floral crochet, flower making and so on.
A cooking workshop is also being planned. It will be led by a food anthropologist and explore the history, ingredients and cultural significance of the traditional onasadya, followed by a tasting session.
Families and children can also experience naadan games such as Parambaram Kuth Kali, Kacchu Kali and more.
Kinder Kalari, a group promoting Malayalam, is organising a ‘Pilleronam 2.0’ that will focus solely on children. It will include a storytelling session led by Kalyani Gopakumar of 'Oridathoridathu by Kalyani', singing and an interesting ‘kutty palahara sadya’ session.
“We have collaborated with local community artists, including practitioners of tribal art forms, while cultural performances are planned over weekends, as well. These events will kickstart after the rain subsides,” says Mujeeb.
Along with workshops and shopping, community gatherings are also being organised to encourage visitors to spend time at the space rather than simply browsing and leaving.
"We wanted to bring the true Onam spirit here, where people can celebrate the season while supporting local makers and reconnecting with Kerala's traditions," says Mujeeb.