At Sea, en route to South Korea: For Keralites, Onam is never bound by geography. Even in the middle of the ocean, the spirit of the harvest festival found its way aboard a GFS company ship sailing toward South Korea. Fifteen Keralite crew members, along with their international colleagues, turned the vessel into a floating venue of joy, tradition, and cultural pride.
The ship, commanded by Captain Josmon from Mattakara, Kottayam, carried a team of officers and engineers who made the festival unforgettable. Among them were Chief Engineer Anumohan from Alappuzha, Chief Officer Harikrishnan from Mavelikkara, and Second Engineer Sathish from Coimbatore. Together, they led a celebration that blended seafaring life with Kerala’s timeless traditions.
Flowerbeds Made of Stones
In Kerala, an Onam floral carpet is a hallmark of the festival. But on the high seas, where flowers are hard to come by, innovation bloomed instead. Under the leadership of Tittu from Tripunithura, the crew arranged a vibrant “pookalam” using stones, colored powders, and creative designs. The deck near the navigational bridge became the centerpiece of festivity, proving that imagination can replace scarcity.
A 23 Course Feast at Sea
The grand Onam feast or sadya was another highlight. Chief Cook Abhimanyu took charge of preparing the traditional meal, assisted by Sivadas, Siddique, Alan, and Sanoop. Despite the challenges of cooking aboard a moving ship, the team presented an impressive 23-course spread, bringing the flavors of Kerala to the middle of the ocean. After the meal, the crew gathered for photos with a cheerful “Maveli,” standing proudly beside the decorated flowerbed.
Games, Dance, and “Onam Mood”
No Onam is complete without games and laughter. The sailors enjoyed activities such as musical chairs, clay-pot making, bottle-filling contests, and a lively tug-of-war. The celebrations ended with dance and music, where Keralites and foreigners alike joined in, creating a unique cultural exchange.
Videos of the onboard festivities have since gone viral, capturing the infectious energy of the “Onam mood.” Viewers have praised the creativity of the crew, calling it “next-level celebration” and applauding the determination of Keralites to uphold their heritage wherever they go.
“Wherever We Are, Onam Lives On”
Sharing the video online, one crew member wrote: “We Keralites, wherever we are, will never let Onam pass without celebration. Even in the middle of the sea, the festival lives in our hearts. When foreigners join in, it becomes an even bigger joy because Onam is about togetherness.”
For Keralites around the world, this seaborne celebration is a reminder that Onam is more than just a festival it is a bond that transcends distance, culture, and even oceans.