Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is a grand yearly affair in the southern state. The 10-day-long festival is marked by iconic Kerala 'sadya', with communities coming together to watch the snake boat race known as Vallamkali, dance and music performances and days of get-togethers with friends and family. This year, however, much like in 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has thrown a wrench in the celebratory plans of the state. Onam that began on August 12 and will go till August 23, will be celebrated in a sombre manner at best this year, as the fight against the virus continues.
