Onam 2026 Celebration — Kerala Society, University of Glasgow
Maveli is coming to Scotland, and you're invited to welcome him.
The Kerala Society at the University of Glasgow is delighted to present our Onam 2026 Celebration, held this year at Malabar Coast in Holytown. Onam is Kerala's biggest and best-loved festival — a harvest celebration marking the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, and a day when families and friends come together over food, games and tradition regardless of background or belief.
What to expect
The heart of the day is the Onam Sadya — a magnificent vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring an array of traditional Kerala dishes including avial, sambar, thoran, olan, pachadi, rice, pappadam and the much-loved payasam to finish. It's a full sensory experience and, for many of us far from home, the closest thing to a Kerala Onam you'll find in Scotland.
Alongside the feast, we'll be running traditional Onam games and activities with plenty of chances to join in, win something, and meet others in the community. Expect music, laughter, and a room full of people in festival spirits.
Dress code
Kerala traditional dress is encouraged — kasavu saree, set mundu, mundu and shirt, or your own festive best. Come dressed for photographs; there will be many.
Event details
Date: Saturday 29 August 2026
Time: 1:00 PM onwards
Venue: Malabar Coast, 33 Main Street, Holytown, Motherwell, ML1 4TH
Ticket: £20 per person, including the full Onam Sadya
Who can come
Everyone is welcome — University of Glasgow students, staff, families, friends and members of the wider community. You don't need to be Malayali or a Kerala Society member to join us. If you've never experienced Onam before, this is the perfect introduction.
⏳ Tickets are limited, as catering numbers must be confirmed in advance, so we'd encourage you to book early. For any questions about the event, accessibility, travel or dietary requirements, please get in touch with the Kerala Society committee.
⏳ Onashamsakal — Happy Onam! ⏳