Thousands of expatriates of Kerala origin residing in Oman are preparing to celebrate Thiruvonam on Wednesday, August 26. Indian community groups, cultural organizations, Indian Social Club chapters, community associations, and business establishments across the Sultanate, including Muscat, have intensified preparations for Onam-related programs.
- Expatriate families prepare to celebrate Thiruvonam on Wednesday, August 26.
- A public holiday on Thursday, August 27, creates a three-day weekend break.
- Supermarkets and restaurants report high demand for festive goods and Sadya orders.
The festive atmosphere is bolstered by a public holiday on Thursday, August 27, declared in honor of Prophet Mohammed’s Birth Anniversary.
This official holiday applies to both the public and private sectors. Combined with the regular weekend on Friday and Saturday,
many expatriate families will enjoy a three-day break, allowing celebrations to extend beyond Wednesday.In Muscat and other regions, supermarkets have reported increased sales of Kerala-specific festive goods, vegetables, banana leaves, and ingredients for Sadya. Restaurants and catering businesses are seeing a surge in advance bookings and takeaway orders for the traditional Onam Sadya, with many establishments offering special menus beginning August 26.
Expatriate families are organizing Pookalam arrangements, wearing traditional dress, and hosting cultural programs and communal meals in homes and community halls. Workplace groups and residential communities have scheduled celebrations on varying dates to accommodate employees working different shifts. Regarding the August 27 public holiday,
institutions requiring staff to work due to operational necessity must provide appropriate compensation in accordance with Ministry of Labour regulations. Given the combination of the official holiday and the weekend,
organizers anticipate higher participation in family gatherings, community events, and Sadya celebrations this year.