On Monday, August 31, Malayalees around the world celebrated the harvest festival of Onam.
The annual event is one of Kerala’s biggest occasions. This year, of course, celebrations were muted due to the coronavirus, but that didn’t stop top Indian stars from sending well-wishes to all their fans, having a traditional Onam sadya (feast) or donning traditional attire.
Here’s a look at some stars that rang in the Keralite festival in a grand fashion.
Malaika Arora indulged in a traditional feast
The Onam sadya has always been a big part of the festival. The traditional meal usually includes anywhere from nine to 30 different vegetarian dishes, from daal and sambar to avial (a vegetable dish made with coconut), pickle and banana chips.
Served on a banana leaf, this is a truly indulgent affair, and one of the highlights of the festival.
And it looks like Bollywood actress Malaika Arora made the most of it, alongside her family.
“Our table is set,” the actress posted on social media. “Finally after over five months, we are all together at my parents’ home on this very auspicious day of Onam.”
She went on to thank her mother for the very lavish spread.
In turn, her mother Joyce Arora, who is Malayali and an avid cook, also posted about the meal, saying that she was at home after two years.
"In the interim, my grandchildren have grown older and are now really getting to understand the meaning of the festival. Eating on a banana leaf was a novel experience for them," she said in a post on Instagram.
Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan spent time with family
The South Indian actress and her director partner shared pictures of their celebrations in Kochi, Kerala, in traditional attire.
"Onam wishes to all the lovely people around. Let's find reasons to be happy and enhance them with hope amidst this pandemic... that's the only way to invite a smile on everyone's face," Shivan wrote in the post.
The director also shared pictures with Nayanthara’s mother, calling her family. The South Indian power couple have been rumoured to have been together for four years now. In 2019, Nayanthara addressed Shivan as her "fiance" at an event, which led to rumours of their engagement.
Stars wearing their traditional best
Several South Indian stars posted pictures on social media of themselves wearing their traditional attire.
Popular Indian actor Mohanlal shared an image of him making a floral design while dressed in a traditional outfit – shirt and mundu – and wished his fans a happy Onam.
Actress Priyamani Raj opted for a stunning white and gold salwar suit paired with gold jewellery.
Beyond the Clouds actress Malavika Mohanan skipped the traditional kasuvu white and gold saree (which she called her first love) in favour of a shade of red for the occasion.
Those that sent good wishes
Meanwhile, many big Bollywood celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Shah Rukh Khan shared posts wishing everyone a happy Onam.
The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
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Short term
Establish logistics and systems needed to globally deploy vaccines
Intermediate term
Build biomedical workforces in low- and middle-income nations
Long term
A prototype pathogen approach for pandemic preparedness
Series result
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2nd ODI Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
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4th ODI Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets
5th ODI Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets
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Moment of the day Sadeera Samarawickrama set pulses racing with his strokeplay on his introduction to Test cricket. It reached a feverish peak when he stepped down the wicket and launched Yasir Shah, who many regard as the world’s leading spinner, back over his head for six. No matter that he was out soon after: it felt as though the future had arrived.
Stat of the day - 5 The last time Sri Lanka played a Test in Dubai – they won here in 2013 – they had four players in their XI who were known as wicketkeepers. This time they have gone one better. Each of Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella – the nominated gloveman here – can keep wicket.
The verdict Sri Lanka want to make history by becoming the first team to beat Pakistan in a full Test series in the UAE. They could not have made a better start, first by winning the toss, then by scoring freely on an easy-paced pitch. The fact Yasir Shah found some turn on Day 1, too, will have interested their own spin bowlers.
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
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