ONAM FESTIVAL

[Guest guest]

Onam festival

Learn about the popular 'Onam' festival which is celebrated by People in Kerala.

One mention of Kerala and the memory of Onam festival springs to mind in many

Indians. Kerala, the South Indian coastal state regards Onam as a very

important festival. This festival often falls around the month of September. If

you ever visit Kerala around this festive period you can expect to be absorbed

by the joyful festive mood which would go on for about ten days as the Onam

festivals celebrations last for a period of ten days.

Legend -Legend has that Onam is celebrated after the memory of King Mahabali. It

was said that the King ruled Kerala long time ago and that he was a good King

who looked after his people well. Thus Onam symbolizes the joyful rule of the

King and the happiness that the people had under his rule. The people also have

the belief that during Onam, the King returns to Kerala to visit his people.

Celebrations-

The people in Kerala who celebrate Onam prepare for the festival by cleaning

their houses and decorating them. On Onam, everybody in the family would be

wearing new clothes. Delicious sweetmeats and favorite vegetarian dishes would

be cooked and served on banana leaves. One important item that would be visible

outside each house is the pookalam a flower mat. This flower mat is like a

symbol of welcoming the King Mahabali. During Onam, traditional rituals are

performed and the people celebrate the occasion with a grand feast. One

favorite dessert that would be served on the day is payasam a sweet & tempting

porridge.

During the celebrations of Onam, if youre a tourist in Kerala, you can never

miss the colorful parade of elephants & fireworks. For entertainment, the

popular Indian dance, Kathakali dance would be performed and other spectacular

events like carnivals and sports events would be some of the highlights for the

festival as well. At night there would also be songs and dances to delight all.

In fact, it has been noted that a high number of tourists would always visit

kerala around this period just to catch all the action and joyous celebrations

of Onam.

Another attractive feature to watch out for during the festival Onam is the

famous Vallamkali or otherwise known as the great boat race. For this boat race

hundreds of men row the boats to the beat of drums and cymbals. An interesting

thing to note is that above each boat there is a scarlet silk umbrella and gold

coins are hung from the umbrellas. There are various boats, which also include

the Chundans: the snake-like long boats that are shaped like snakes. This event

is a very popular with many as various types of boats compete with each other to

win the race. Many usually crowd around to catch the boat race and some cheer

for their favorites to win.

One remarkable thing about Onam is that it is celebrated by all, not only Hindus

but also by Christians and Muslims who are living in Kerala. It is one festival

that unites all people regardless of race and religion.

By

Toms