Onam ends on August 29 but the 10-day celebrations continue across communities—atheist and agnostic; Malayalee or not. The celebrations are to mark virtuous demon king Mahabali’s visit to Earth. His story is part of Vishnu’s Vamana avatar.

Given the size and enthusiasm of the Diaspora in the city, celebrations are sometimes even more elaborate than in Kerala, says author, scriptwriter and columnist Anand Neelakandan. “When I came to Mumbai 10 years ago,” says the Goregaon-resident, “I found the community here more active and there were so many events that even non-Malayalees were part of.”