Onam

Onam is considered as the harvest festival of the southern state of Kerala, is one of the most important festivals for the people of Kerala. This ten day celebration marks the beginning in the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). The first day of the festival is addressed as Atham and the dfinal day of the event is called as Thiru Onam, both of which are the most important days in the 10 days long celebration.

The harvesting festival of Onam marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. The festival is rich in culture and heritage of the southern part of India.

Throughout these 10 days, there are different ceremonies and rituals are performed on all these 10 days. The festival is celebrated with grandeur, representing a part of the Indian culture. For this D day, preparations start days and months before only, which continue till the last day.

This fascinating festivity claims to be the biggest festival celebrated in the God’s own country, Kerala. The carnival of Onam is all about the culture and traditions of Kerala, along with its delectable delicacies, which makes the festivity wholesome and complete.

The main cultural events that are held in the festivity are the musical and folk dance performances. The traditional feasts (Onasadya), folk songs and dances, exquisitely decorated Onam Pookalam (Athapookalam), stunning Vallamkali (Snake Boat Race) and traditional Kerala games form an integral part of the major festivity of Kerala.

There are special arrangements made to invite the King Mahabali by the Keralites. The people decorate their houses from head to foot with flowers with unique and beautiful designs and patterns. People don their houses along with themselves and there are all dances, music, games, competitions and feast in the celebration. Another striking feature of the festivity is the snake boat race, which attracts huge masses to take part in the activity.

Then, there is another attraction of the festival the major feast called as the Ona Sadya, which is another highlight of the occasion. This cuisine is served on the Onam Day.