Onam is the most popular festival celebrated in the beautiful state of Kerala, which is known as God’s own country. It is a Hindu festival, which is celebrated to honour the vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu as well the coming back of the legendry king Mahabali to his home. It is celebrated in the month of Chingam and is a 10 day long festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Significance of Onam
The festival of Onam is also known as Thiruonam, which is one of the most joyous festivals celebrated in the state. It is an annual recollection of the golden rule of King Mahabali, a legendary king, who ruled Kerala for a very long time ago. It reminds the sacrifice of the legendry king, his true devotion for God, his human conceit and his salvation. It is a festival that welcomes the fortitude of a great king, and reassures him that his people are happy and wish him well. This festival has several chronicles available about the origin of the festival. Besides commemorating the coming back of the legendry King and the vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, it is also a harvest festival that is celebrated with grandeur and fervour all over the state.
Celebration of Onam
The festival of Onam is celebrated for 10 days with huge pomp and show. On the occasion of Onam, flower carpets called 'Pookalam' is laid in front of every house to welcome the coming of the conquered king, and earthen mounds representing Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards. Traditional rituals are performed followed by a fulsome feast called 'Sadhya'. New clothes, lavish home-cooked delicacies on plantain leaf and the enduring scent of the sweet Payasam marks the festival of Onam. Snake boat races, Onappottan, Athachamayam in Tripunithura, Kaazhchakkula in Guruvayoor, Puli Kali, Kaikottikkali, Kummaattikkali, Onathaar, Onachamayam, Onathallu, Thrikkaakarayappan, Thumbi thullal, Onavillu etc. are some of the activities that are carried out of on this festival. Kathakali dance, parades of decorated elephants and fireworks are a part of the celebration. This festival is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich festivals celebrated in India.
Significance of Onam
The festival of Onam is also known as Thiruonam, which is one of the most joyous festivals celebrated in the state. It is an annual recollection of the golden rule of King Mahabali, a legendary king, who ruled Kerala for a very long time ago. It reminds the sacrifice of the legendry king, his true devotion for God, his human conceit and his salvation. It is a festival that welcomes the fortitude of a great king, and reassures him that his people are happy and wish him well. This festival has several chronicles available about the origin of the festival. Besides commemorating the coming back of the legendry King and the vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, it is also a harvest festival that is celebrated with grandeur and fervour all over the state.
Celebration of Onam
The festival of Onam is celebrated for 10 days with huge pomp and show. On the occasion of Onam, flower carpets called 'Pookalam' is laid in front of every house to welcome the coming of the conquered king, and earthen mounds representing Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards. Traditional rituals are performed followed by a fulsome feast called 'Sadhya'. New clothes, lavish home-cooked delicacies on plantain leaf and the enduring scent of the sweet Payasam marks the festival of Onam. Snake boat races, Onappottan, Athachamayam in Tripunithura, Kaazhchakkula in Guruvayoor, Puli Kali, Kaikottikkali, Kummaattikkali, Onathaar, Onachamayam, Onathallu, Thrikkaakarayappan, Thumbi thullal, Onavillu etc. are some of the activities that are carried out of on this festival. Kathakali dance, parades of decorated elephants and fireworks are a part of the celebration. This festival is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich festivals celebrated in India.