The name of Onam is not known to many Indians even, not to speak of outsiders but it happens to be the most popular festival in the sphere of Kerala. The festival, at the same time, does portray the well-off cultural heritage of the state, represents veneration of the people to the same and the vow to go on with the same for the eternity. Onam does also represent rich customs, culture and magnificent previous era and thanks to all these it has become a great attraction for tourists in the sate. Hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe, apart from the other Indian states, go to the state of Kerala at this time. Onam, by and large, does initiate from the first day Atham and goes on for ten days till the concluding day known as Thiru Onam. It is to be noted, in accordance with the Malayalam calendar, Onam does fall in the month of Chingam.
There is the presence of a great legend behind Onam too. In keeping with legends, the fiesta does commemorate glorious return of King Mahabali, demon king or the erstwhile mightiest ruler of the same region. For that reason, on this sacred event, people are filled with cheerfulness and remain positive. In order to venerate the occasion, people embellish their dwellings for a grand welcome of God.
For the period of the Onam festival, people beautify their domiciles with fresh flower mats, called 'Pookalam', so as to greet the glorious return of King Mahabali. People are witnessed to wear new clothes, go to the temple to pay reverence to the presiding divinity. In all temples throughout the state prayers are carried out. As a result, the entire setting is filled with enthralling Mantras. Onam festival opens up the affluent cultural legacy of Kerala by means of traditional dances too. The most prominent of these are Thumbi Tullal along with Thiruvathirakali.
Last of all, sports hold special positions during the Onam festival. Some of these are Kutukutu, Attakalam, Talappanthukali, Kayyankali.
There is the presence of a great legend behind Onam too. In keeping with legends, the fiesta does commemorate glorious return of King Mahabali, demon king or the erstwhile mightiest ruler of the same region. For that reason, on this sacred event, people are filled with cheerfulness and remain positive. In order to venerate the occasion, people embellish their dwellings for a grand welcome of God.
For the period of the Onam festival, people beautify their domiciles with fresh flower mats, called 'Pookalam', so as to greet the glorious return of King Mahabali. People are witnessed to wear new clothes, go to the temple to pay reverence to the presiding divinity. In all temples throughout the state prayers are carried out. As a result, the entire setting is filled with enthralling Mantras. Onam festival opens up the affluent cultural legacy of Kerala by means of traditional dances too. The most prominent of these are Thumbi Tullal along with Thiruvathirakali.
Last of all, sports hold special positions during the Onam festival. Some of these are Kutukutu, Attakalam, Talappanthukali, Kayyankali.