Mumbai: Raksha Bandhan could see festive travel resume Sunday

MUMBAI: The weekend will see a range of colourful festivals with the Malayalee feast of Onam falling on Saturday, and Raksha Bandhan and Narali Purnima Sunday. The lockdown relaxation with shops reopening has meant people can at least make proper purchases for home celebration given that community gatherings are prohibited.
Matunga resident KA Viswanathan said, “Malayalees all over the country and abroad celebrate Onam, which marks the annual homecoming of the mythical benevolent King Mahabali, by wearing new clothes and arranging feasts at home.After a gap of two years, the well known Mani’s Lunch Home at Chembur and Matunga will organise an Onam feast called Thiruvona sadhya. But this year there will not be sit-down lunch in plantain leaves, only takeaway parcels.”
Mani’s new owner Rajamani will serve 22 items including two types of payasam (kheer) called Palada Pradhaman (made from milk) and Paruppu Pradhaman (jaggery and dal). Several home cooks have also been despatching the festive menu to their clients as a fallout of the homebound celebration.
Raksha Bandhan visits may resume this year as local trains have reopened to the fully vaccinated. “My brother lives in Dadar and I plan to take the train from Borivli. I have taken both doses but my young children have taken just one, so I am not sure if they should join me amid the festive crowd or stay home,” said Sejal Mane, who lives in Borivli (east).
Sunday also marks the Upakarma when many Brahmins change the sacred thread and perform rituals for departed souls on Shravana Purnima day.