Kerala Onam Festival: A Complete Guide to the State’s Vibrant Celebration.
Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The state is blessed with lush green forests, serene backwaters, and pristine beaches. Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala during the months of August and September. The festival is an ideal time to visit the state and experience its unique culture and traditions. In this article, we will explore 5 reasons to visit Kerala during Onam.
Experience the vibrant Onam festivities:
Onam is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated in Kerala. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show and is marked by several cultural events such as traditional dance forms, boat races, and music performances. The streets of Kerala are adorned with floral carpets, and the houses are decorated with colorful lamps and flowers. Onam is an excellent time to experience the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Savour the traditional Onam Sadhya:
Onam Sadhya is a traditional feast served during the Onam festival. The feast is served on banana leaves and comprises over 25-30 vegetarian dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam. Onam Sadhya is a culinary delight that showcases the authentic flavors of Kerala’s cuisine.
Witness the thrilling boat races:
Onam is also a time for the traditional boat races in Kerala, which are held in different parts of the state. These boat races are a major tourist attraction and are an excellent opportunity to witness the traditional boats of Kerala, known as ‘chundan vallams,’ in action.
Explore the beauty of Kerala’s backwaters:
Kerala’s backwaters are a unique network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that stretch over 900 km. Onam is a great time to explore the backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat, which offers a serene and picturesque view of the lush green landscape.
Shop for traditional Onam attire:
During Onam, you can find the local markets and shops filled with traditional Onam attire such as Kasavu sarees and Mundu. These attires are unique to Kerala and are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
When planning a trip to Kerala during Onam, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, as the festival attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world.
In conclusion, Kerala is a must-visit destination during the Onam festival. The state comes alive during this time, with vibrant decorations, colorful parades, traditional dances, and delicious feasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences during the festival, from watching the thrilling snake boat races to trying out the traditional Onam Sadhya meal. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Kerala is the perfect place to soak up the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories with your loved ones. So why not plan a trip to Kerala during Onam and experience the magic of this vibrant festival for yourself?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Onam is celebrated in Kerala during the months of August and September. The exact dates of the festival vary each year.
A: During Onam, you can expect vibrant festivities, cultural events, traditional dance forms, boat races, floral decorations, and colorful lamps adorning the streets and houses.
A: Onam Sadhya is a traditional feast served during the Onam festival. It is a vegetarian feast comprising a variety of dishes served on a banana leaf.
A: Yes, Onam is a time for traditional boat races in Kerala, known as ‘chundan vallam’ races. These races are held in different parts of the state and are a thrilling spectacle.
A: Yes, Onam is a great time to explore Kerala’s backwaters on a traditional houseboat. It offers a serene and picturesque view of the lush green landscape.
A: During Onam, you can shop for traditional attire such as Kasavu sarees and Mundu. These attires are unique to Kerala and are popular during the festival.
FAQs
A: Yes, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance as Onam attracts a large number of tourists, and availability may be limited during the festival.
A: Apart from the festival celebrations, you can explore Kerala’s natural beauty, visit its pristine beaches, explore wildlife sanctuaries, and indulge in Ayurvedic treatments.
A: During Onam, locals may engage in various customs and traditions such as Pookkalam (floral carpet) decoration, Pulikali (tiger dance), and Vallamkali (boat race). Respect for local customs is appreciated.
A: Yes, visitors are welcome to witness and participate in the Onam festivities. It is a great opportunity to experience Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
A: It is advisable to follow general travel guidelines such as respecting local customs, maintaining cleanliness, and being mindful of your belongings.
A: Absolutely! Onam is a great time to savor the delicious traditional cuisine of Kerala, including the elaborate Onam Sadhya feast and various other regional delicacies.
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