15/09/2024
Onam is an annual harvest festival celebrated primarily in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Kerala, marking the beginning of the Malayalam calendar's first month, Chingam. Onam usually falls between August and September and lasts for ten days, with the most significant day being Thiruvonam.
Key aspects of Onam:
Legend of King Mahabali: Onam is rooted in Hindu mythology, honoring the legendary King Mahabali, whose reign was believed to be a golden era of prosperity, peace, and equality. According to the myth, Mahabali visits Kerala during Onam every year, and the festival is a way of welcoming him.
Pookalam: Pookalam is a colorful floral arrangement made at the entrance of homes. Each day of Onam, new layers are added to this intricate design, which is a symbol of prosperity and harmony.
Onasadya: The Onam feast, known as Onasadya, is a grand meal served on banana leaves, consisting of a variety of vegetarian dishes, pickles, curries, and desserts like Payasam. It is an essential part of the celebration and reflects Kerala’s rich culinary tradition.
Vallamkali (Snake Boat Race): One of the most exciting events during Onam is the Vallamkali or Snake Boat Race. Long, narrow boats called "Chundan Vallam" compete in the backwaters of Kerala, drawing large crowds.
Traditional Dances: Onam is celebrated with several traditional dance forms such as Kathakali, Thiruvathirakali, and Pulikali (a tiger dance where performers paint their bodies as tigers and hunters).
