Mumbai: It’s reassuring to note that, after a year and a half since the outbreak, humanity has found indigenous ways to circumvent the pandemic and digital has been the confidant in the new normal. Cut to Kerala, the best time of the year is around the corner, Onam.

This year, Onam for Malayalis across the world will be powered by meaningful digital connections. Be it choosing Onakkodi for the loved ones via video shopping, the joy of laying an 'athapookalam' (floral carpet) with childhood friends via an e-pookalam offering, enjoying Kathakali with family through a Livestream, preparing a sumptuous Onasadya together through recipe podcasts or through ordering in via food delivery platforms, indulging in Onakalikal through gaming platforms, watching the latest blockbuster in many of the OTT platforms, paying for an Onam Club donation via the payment platforms, Onam comes alive online in more ways than one.

manoramaonline.com catering to 36 million Malayalis, spread across 200 + geographies will be enabling Malayalis across the world to celebrate Onam online through nostalgic reportage, immersive online properties like designing digital pookalam, digital onakalikal (games), and multisensory experiences.

Its latest campaign – ‘Nothing will stop a Malayali from celebrating Onam’ turns the spotlight on the unstoppable Malayali spirit to celebrate Onam in all its fervor yet responsibly. The Local Network, agency of record for manoramaonline.com has conceived and executed this campaign.

“The pandemic has certainly impacted the way we live, work & play, but in Kerala, it has not lowered the spirit of Onam, thanks to festivities taking a virtual turn,” said Manorama Online, general manager, marketing, Boby Paul.

“Onam is a festival we cannot afford to miss, a once a year celebratory band in a Malayali’s life, come what may,” said The Local Network, creative director, Nitin Menon. “Cautious optimism is the need of the hour.”

Kerala, armed with one of the highest internet penetration rates in the country, ranks high in online news consumption and online shopping. This year, Onam is expected to mark the revival of the shopping season in adherence to the protocols by leveraging the seamlessness of digital experiences.