Dubai Onam celebrations at BurJuman Mall feature a Pookalam competition, Kerala performances, festive shopping and AED 18,000 worth of prizes.
DUBAI: Dubai Onam celebrations are bringing the colours, rhythms and traditions of Kerala to BurJuman Mall this August, with a programme featuring floral artistry, traditional performances, festive shopping and food. Running until August 29, 2026, the celebration is being held in partnership with Raphael and offers UAE residents and visitors several ways to experience the festival.
A major highlight arrives on August 22, when teams will turn flowers into elaborate works of art during BurJuman Mall’s Pookalam Competition. Pookalam, the traditional floral arrangement closely associated with Onam, is one of the festival’s most recognisable cultural traditions.
The competition will run from 4pm to 9pm and offers AED 18,000 worth of prizes and gifts. Advance registration is required, with participating teams able to register via WhatsApp on +971 52 357 5992.
Beyond the floral displays, Dubai Onam celebrations will showcase Kerala’s performing arts across the mall. Visitors can watch Thiruvathira and Mohiniyattam performances alongside the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Chendamelam.
Cultural performances are scheduled for August 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29, following the programme that began on August 15. Performances run from 6pm to 8pm, giving families an opportunity to experience several traditional Kerala art forms during an evening visit to the mall.
For visitors preparing for Onam, shopping is another part of the programme. The Onam Bazaar by The Souk, located on Level 2, will continue until August 29.
The bazaar brings together traditional attire, jewellery and accessories alongside festive décor, handicrafts, gifts, snacks and delicacies. The mix creates a dedicated destination for families looking for clothing, decorations or treats associated with the festive season.
Onam holds particular cultural significance for Kerala’s large expatriate community in the UAE. Community celebrations allow families living away from Kerala to maintain familiar traditions while introducing the festival’s food, art and customs to friends and residents from other backgrounds.
BurJuman’s programme combines several of those traditions in one location, from the intricate colours of Pookalam to the movement of Mohiniyattam and the percussion of Chendamelam.
With activities continuing through August 29, the Dubai Onam celebrations offer families another way to experience Kerala’s cultural heritage without leaving the city, while the Pookalam competition on August 22 provides a centrepiece for community participation.
Impact to expect
The celebrations could strengthen cultural connections among Dubai’s Kerala community while giving the wider UAE population an accessible opportunity to discover Onam traditions, performing arts and festive food.
