in heavy jewelry and new saris and make complx
and detailed designs of “rangolis” and “pookkalam”(with flowers) in front
of their homes.
Onam is celebrated in the memory of King Mahabali. It was said that King
Mahabali ruled Kerala a long time ago and looked after the welfare of the
people. Thus Onam shows the blissful rule of the King and the freedom,
which the people enjoyed under his rule. The people also believe that
during Onam, the King returns to Kerala to pay a visit to his people.
The people in Kerala arrange for this festival by cleaning up their houses
and decorating them. On the occasion of Onam, everybody in the family
wears new clothes. Delicious sweets and dishes are prepared and served on
the banana leaves. “Pookalam” a flower mat is visible outside every house.
This mat is a symbol of welcoming King Mahabali. On the eve of Onam,
traditional rituals are performed and the people celebrate the occasion
with a grand feast. “Payasam” a sweet and tempting porridge is one of the
favorite dessert served on the eve of Onam.
“Vallamkali” or a great boat race is an attractive feature of this
festival. In this game 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 umbrella. This
event is extremely popular with various boats competing with each other in
order to win the race.
Onam is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Christians and Muslims.
It is one such festival that unites all the people regardless of race and
religion.
Hindu Ashrams/Organizations
Photos/Wallpaper
Hindu Ashrams/Organizations
Festival of Onam
Onam is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam Festival
falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the
homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days
and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately
decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and
exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam
- the harvest festival in Kerala. Onam is one of the most significant
harvest festivals of Kerala and is an attraction for thousands of people
outside and within the state. All the activities during this season are
centered on worshipping, music, dance, sports, boat races and good food.
This festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month Chingam (ending of
August and beginning of September). Onam is a harvest festival and
celebrates the reward of nature after a year of hard work. The merry
making of the festival includes an elaborate procession of Trichur and
amusing boat races on River Pampa. Women dress up