Onam Festival in Kerala: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition.
Kerala, the land of backwaters, lush greenery, and serene beaches, is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its vibrant culture and traditions. One such celebration that draws people from all over the world to this southern state of India is the Onam festival. This ten-day festival is a time of great joy and merriment, filled with various cultural activities and events that showcase the rich heritage of Kerala.
When is Onam Celebrated?
Onam is celebrated during the month of Chingam, which is the first month of the Malayalam calendar (August-September). The festival falls on the 22nd Nakshatra Thiruvonam, which is considered to be the most auspicious day of the month.
What is the Significance of Onam?
Onam is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of the mythical king Mahabali, who was believed to have ruled Kerala in ancient times. According to legend, Mahabali was a just and benevolent king who was loved by his subjects. However, his popularity threatened the gods, who feared that he would become more powerful than them. To put an end to this, the gods asked Lord Vishnu to help them, and he appeared in the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin. Vamana approached Mahabali and asked him for three paces of land. Mahabali agreed, but Vamana grew to a gigantic size and covered the entire earth in two paces. For the third pace, Mahabali offered his head, and Vamana sent him to the netherworld. However, because of Mahabali’s goodness, Vamana granted him a boon that he would be able to visit his people once every year. Onam is celebrated to welcome the return of Mahabali and to honor his memory.
How is Onam Celebrated?
Onam is a ten-day festival that starts with Atham and ends with Thiruvonam. The first day of the festival, Atham, is considered to be the most auspicious day, and the celebrations begin with the decorating of Pookalam (flower carpet) in front of the houses. Each day of the festival has its significance, and various activities and events take place throughout the ten days.
The most important day of the festival is Thiruvonam, which is celebrated on the 22nd Nakshatra. On this day, people wear new clothes, prepare a sumptuous feast called Onasadya, and visit their relatives and friends. The Onasadya is a grand feast consisting of 26 dishes served on a banana leaf. It includes various vegetarian dishes such as Avial, Sambar, Thoran, and Payasam. After the feast, people engage in various cultural activities such as boat races, folk dances, and music performances.
Best Places to Celebrate Onam in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram:
The capital city of Kerala celebrates Onam with great fervor, and the Onam procession, featuring elephants, floats, and traditional art forms, is a sight to behold.
Thrissur:
The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur, hosts a grand Onam celebration called Pulikali, where performers painted as tigers dance to the beats of traditional music.
Kottayam:
The Onam celebrations in Kottayam are known for their boat races, where hundreds of men row traditional boats on the backwaters.
Kochi:
The port city of Kochi celebrates Onam with a grand procession called Athachamayam, where colorful floats, decorated elephants, and traditional art forms fill the streets.
Where to Stay and Eat during Onam Festival?
During the Onam festival, Kerala is brimming with tourists, and finding accommodation can be a challenge. It is advisable to book your hotel or homestay well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. Kerala offers a wide range of accommodation options ranging from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly homestays.
When it comes to food, Onam is the best time to indulge in some authentic Kerala cuisine. Most hotels and restaurants offer special Onam meals during the festival, which include a variety of vegetarian dishes. However, if you want to savor the real taste of Kerala, head to a local home and enjoy a traditional Onam feast prepared by the locals.
Tips for Enjoying Onam Festival in Kerala
Dress in traditional attire: Onam is a time to embrace the local culture and traditions. It is recommended to dress in traditional Kerala attire like Mundu for men and Kasavu saree for women.
Join the festivities: Onam is a time to celebrate and have fun. Don’t hesitate to participate in the various cultural activities and events taking place during the festival.
Try the Onam feast: The Onasadya is the highlight of the Onam festival. Don’t miss the chance to try this grand feast, which is a celebration of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage.
Explore the backwaters: Kerala’s backwaters are a unique attraction that should not be missed. Take a houseboat ride or go on a canoe trip to experience the beauty of these serene waterways.
Respect the local customs and traditions: Kerala is known for its hospitality and warmth. Show respect to the local customs and traditions and embrace the local way of life.
Onam is a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and to honor the memory of the mythical king Mahabali. The festival is a unique blend of vibrant colors, music, dance, and food. If you are planning to visit Kerala during the Onam festival, be prepared to be a part of the most colorful and grandest celebrations in India. The ten-day festival is a celebration of life, and it is an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Onam is celebrated during the month of Chingam, which is the first month of the Malayalam calendar (August-September). The festival falls on the 22nd Nakshatra Thiruvonam.
A: Onam is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of the mythical king Mahabali, who was believed to have ruled Kerala in ancient times. It is a time to honor his memory and celebrate Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
A: Onam is a ten-day festival that starts with Atham and ends with Thiruvonam. Each day of the festival holds its significance, and various cultural activities and events take place throughout the ten days.
A: The festival is known for its vibrant cultural activities, including the decorating of Pookalam (flower carpet), the grand feast called Onasadya, boat races, folk dances, music performances, and various other festivities.
A: Onasadya is a sumptuous feast prepared during the Onam festival. It consists of 26 dishes served on a banana leaf, including vegetarian delicacies like Avial, Sambar, Thoran, and Payasam.
FAQs
A: Some of the best places to celebrate Onam in Kerala include Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Kottayam, and Kochi. Each city has its unique traditions and cultural events during the festival.
A: Kerala attracts a large number of tourists during the Onam festival, so it is advisable to book your hotel or homestay well in advance. Kerala offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly homestays.
A: The Onam festival is the perfect time to indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine. Apart from the elaborate Onasadya feast, you can try other popular dishes like banana chips, olan, pachadi, and parippu curry.
A: During Onam, it is recommended to dress in traditional Kerala attire, participate in the cultural activities and events, try the Onam feast, explore the backwaters, and show respect for the local customs and traditions.
A: Absolutely! Kerala’s backwaters are a unique attraction and can be explored during the Onam festival. You can take a houseboat ride or go on a canoe trip to experience the beauty and serenity of these waterways.
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