Onam and its significance

The biggest and the most important festival celebrated in Kerala is Onam. Not restricting to any single community, the harvest festival is celebrated by the people of all the communities.

According to the Malayalam calendar, Onam is celebrated in Chingam month, which corresponds with the month of August-September, according to Gregorian Calendar.

The carnival of the festival lasts from 4 to 10 days, among which first day Atham and 10th day Thiruonam is significant. Taking due notice of this colorful festival, government of India promotes Onam worldwide, and celebrates 'Tourist Week' for Kerala during Onam celebrations. 

King Mahabali was granted a boon to visit the people every year, with whom he was attached the most. It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam annually. People celebrate the festival grandly and impress upon their king that they are happy and wish him well.

Onam celebrations

The most popular part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya prepared on Thiruonam, which is a nine course meal consisting of about 13 essential dishes and is served on banana leaves.

Vallamkali, the snake boat race, is another impressing part of Onam, which is held on river Pampa. It would be a delightful experience to watch the decorated boat oared by several boatmen amidst of chanting of songs and cheering around.

Coming to Onakalikal, it is a tradition of playing games collectively. Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam are the popular sports men play as a part of this festivity.

Even women indulge in several cultural activities like designing flower mats called Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations.