Abu Dhabi: As Malayalees in the UAE get into the mood for the Onam festivities, a quaint little shop, Colours Fashion Trading. in the heart of the capital is abuzz.
Riyajudheen Kader is at the counter taking stock of the deliveries in the pipeline in the run-up to the Onam celebrations. Just three year into the business, Kader and his partner, Roy Varghese, are the lone players in traditional Indian costumes in Abu Dhabi.
“We saw a huge potential in this field as there are a lot of Indian schools and associations here. They all have cultural programmes throughout the year, so they need to either buy or rent out costumes. Earlier they had to source these items from a couple of shops in Dubai but now we are just a call away,” says Kader as he packs an order.
With Onam celebrations lined up, the most sought after and fast moving items are the traditional umbrellas made of palm leaves, wooden chappals, crowns for Mahabali, cream saris with golden borders and imitation jewellery.
“We stitch these traditional wear but you can also rent them for a day or two. We charge anything between Dh150 to Dh200 for a day. The tiger costumes for Pulikali (tiger dance) are also in demand during Onam,” says Kader, who also reveals most of the stuff has been handpicked from Kerala to give the authentic touch.
“Festivities take us to our roots and so everyone wants to get that authentic look. So, we make sure they have it and most of the stuff is from Kerala. Demands for costumes for various dance forms are also there,” says Kader, who adds that there is no slack period in his business except during school vacations.
“We also specialise in costumes for school performances. With every school here organising their functions, talent contests and interschool competitions, our tailors are always at work. We tailor-make these as per the brief and ideas provided by the schools. Now it’s Onam and our hands are full catering to the Malayalee community in and around Abu Dhabi.”
