Eat, pray and shop for King Mahabali

On the occasion of the Malayali New Year, Melissa D'Costa scouts around for yummy treats, traditional sarees and cheery decorations, so you can ring in the festivities, right here in Aamchi Mumbai

Onam is Kerala's harvest festival, celebrated over ten days, and is popular for its elaborate feasts, folk songs, games and boat races.

The occasion marks the ceremonial return of King Mahabali, Kerala's most revered Asura ruler, who, according to legend, visits his people each year during this time.
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The festivities conclude on the tenth day with a grand feast, which includes a nine-course meal, served on a banana leaf. Here's a ready reckoner to put you in a festive mood.

Traditional spread at Dakshin.

Tuck into Onamsadya

Feast on an Onamsadya Thaali (Rs 160) from 11 am to 3.30 pm on Onam. The fixed menu will include as many as 25 traditional, pure-vegetarian treats.
At Hotel Deluxe, 28, SBS Road, near Hitkari House, Fort. Call 66559914

Today, between 12 am and 3.30 pm, Just Kerala will serve Onamsadya (Rs 350 per head), which includes two varieties of Payasam (kheer served with grated coconut), Avial (mix of various veggies in a yoghurt gravy), and Pachadi Khichdi. The pure vegetarian menu includes 23 authentic Kerala dishes.
At Just Kerala, Hotel Samraj, next to NH 1 restaurant, Chakala, Andheri (E). Call 9819158349

Mani's, the popular South Indian Brahmin eatery, will host a special Onamsadya during lunchtime
(Rs 120) which includes 21 items served on a banana leaf. You can sample several traditional treats including Banana Chips, Kheer, Sambhar and Avial between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm, today.
At Mani's Lunch Home, near Nalli's, Matunga (E). Call 24021112

Dakshin, the South Indian restaurant at the ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton will ring in the festivities with a pure-veg meal (Rs 1,980 per head, inclusive of taxes), which offers a variety of traditional dishes for lunch and dinner.
At ITC Grand Maratha, Sahar Airport Road, Andheri (E). Call 28303030

Rice Boat will open their doors to the public at noon and will serve the traditional Onamsadya till 3.30 pm, and later from 7 pm till 11.30 pm. The special Onamsadya Saddhyal includes 30 to 40 dishes, as well as four varieties of Payasam.
At 45, Samadhan, Gandhi Nagar, diagonally opposite Bandra court, next to MHADA office, Bandra (E).
Call 26403030

According to an old saying Onam must be celebrated lavishly, even at the cost of one's material belongings. Culture Curry adheres to the idea with their Onam special meal (Rs 299), which includes unlimited servings of Sambhar, Rassam, Avial, Kootu, Poriyal, Olan, Erussery, Banana Theeyal, Kadala Curry, Rasavangi, Tamarind/Lemon/Coconut Rice. Papad, Coconut Chutney, Banana Chips, bananas, desserts including Payasam (Ada Pradhaman) Suyyam, Neiappam, Appam/Kal Dosa/Neer Dosa and Kerala Parota are all part of the feast.
At Culture Curry, near Hinduja Hospital, TH Kataria Road, Mahim. Call 24440202

Go bananas over traditional sweets
Banana, jaggery, coconut and jackfruit are found in plenty across Kerala's towns and villages. Hence, many of the snacks and sweets are prepared using these ingredients. Apart from wafers, papad and a banana-jaggery sweet, you can also buy instant Payasam from this roadside stall near Matunga (E) railway station.
At KK Ravindran, 325, Shriji Sadan building, Bhandarkar Road, Matunga (E). Call 9869312528

Drape yourself in a Kerala saree
Women dressed in traditional white/cream silk sarees, laced with gold-coloured borders are a common sight during Onam. These traditional sarees are available in an array of designs, which are woven on fine handloom fabric. Red and maroon are the other popular shades that are worn during this time.
At DS Cutpiece & RM Shopping, no 2, Matunga Mansion, opposite Matunga Post Office, Matunga (E).
Call 24145293. Also, at Nalli's, next to Mani Restaurant, Matunga (E).