Onam at Kalaari: A Celebration of Tradition and Togetherness

At Kalaari Capital, our celebrations go beyond just marking an occasion—they reflect our values of community, togetherness, and shared joy. This year, we had the privilege of celebrating Onam, the vibrant festival from Kerala that symbolizes prosperity and unity. The Kalaari team came together to make this celebration one to remember, blending tradition with the warmth of teamwork and camaraderie. 

A Brief History of Onam 

Rooted in Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, Onam is celebrated to honor the legendary King Mahabali’s homecoming. It is a time for family, festivities, and grand feasts, where communities gather to celebrate abundance and harmony. At Kalaari, we embraced this spirit wholeheartedly, bringing the vibrant colors and traditions of Onam into our workplace. 

Games and Fun: Sundarikku Pottu Thodal

One of the most enjoyable moments of the day was the traditional game of Sundarikku Pottu Thodal, where participants were blindfolded and challenged to place a bindi on a poster. Laughter echoed through the room as team members cheered each other on, adding an element of light-hearted competition. This simple yet joyful game set the tone for a day filled with fun, reflecting the essence of Onam. 

The Grand Sadhya Feast 

At the heart of every Onam celebration is the grand Sadhya—a traditional feast served on a banana leaf. Sadhya is not just a meal; it’s a symbol of abundance, unity, and gratitude, with each dish representing a part of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage. Typically, Sadhya consists of 24 to 28 different dishes, each meticulously arranged on the leaf in a specific order, beginning from the left side. 

The feast starts with crispy papadam and a pinch of salt, followed by a variety of pickles, chutneys, and side dishes like kaalan, olan, avial, and thoran. At the center of the banana leaf, rice is served with a choice of flavorful curries such as sambar, parippu (lentils), and rasam. The highlight of the meal is the payasam, a sweet, creamy dessert that marks the perfect end to this festive feast. 

In traditional households, family members take turns serving each other during Sadhya, ensuring that everyone at the table is well-fed and part of the communal experience. This sense of sharing and togetherness is what makes Sadhya truly special. 

Kalaari’s Own Sadhya Experience 

At Kalaari, we recreated this tradition with the same sense of community and shared responsibility. Team members gathered together to serve the feast, much like family members would during Onam. Each person played a role in making sure that the Sadhya was not just a meal but a shared celebration of abundance and togetherness. The vibrant banana leaves were laid out, and the team took turns serving the delicious variety of dishes, ensuring that every plate was full, and everyone was part of the experience. 

From the meticulous arrangement of dishes on the leaf to the warmth of serving each other, our Sadhya at Kalaari was a reflection of the values we cherish—community, collaboration, and the joy of celebrating together. It was a feast that brought us closer, reminding us of the richness of tradition and the importance of shared moments. 

Bringing Us Closer: The Power of Celebration
Onam at Kalaari was more than just a day of festivities—it was a reminder of the values we hold dear. These moments of celebration help us step back from the busyness of work and appreciate the bonds we share as a team. Whether it’s through games, food, or simply gathering together, these experiences enrich our workplace culture, fostering a deeper sense of connection and belonging. 

At Kalaari, we believe in celebrating not just our professional achievements but also the moments that bring us closer as a team. This Onam, we embraced the opportunity to come together, share in the joy of tradition, and strengthen the ties that make #LifeAtKalaari truly special. 

Special Mention – Behind every successful celebration is someone who ensures that every detail is just right. For our Onam celebration, that person was our Mallu Boy Gautam Narayan, a VC analyst at Kalaari.