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Onam Festival

Onam is an annual harvest and cultural festival celebrated for 10 days by the people of Kerala, India.

Legend

According to legends, it is the celebration of the homecoming of King Mahabali, a benevolent demon King who had once ruled Kerala. He was very generous and treated his subjects equally, and everyone was very happy during his time.

Onam is considered a time of feasting and cultural bonding. It brings people from all walks of life together and is a great example of brotherhood.

Each day of the festival day holds a special meaning and is celebrated with various rituals.

Main Features of the Onam Festival

Onam Pookalam is a stunning floral arrangement of different colors and types of flowers adorning the front of every house to welcome King Mahabali.

Kaikottikkali (a graceful dance performed in a circle by women in their traditional attire)

Oonjal, women and children playing in swings (hammocks)

Nehru Trophy boat race in the snake boats, called Chundal valloms, each with 80 to 100 oarsmen, at the backwaters

Pulikali by artists painted as tigers and hunters

Kathakali, a classical dance-drama with elaborate costumes and makeup, narrates the mythological stories.

Onam sadya (a sumptuous vegetarian lunch served in banana leaf).

Thiruvonam, the tenth and final day of the festival, holds great importance with families preparing and partaking in Onasadya.

This grand Onam festival is celebrated in the month of Chingam (Kerala calendar) which falls in August-September. This year (2024), it falls on September 15.

Since the cultural legacy has been passed down through generations, the people of Kerala, wherever they live, love to celebrate the Onam festival.

In short, Onam is a grand celebration of unity, community, and prosperity.

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