Onam: The Biggest festival in Kerala

Onam is the most important festival celebrated in Kerala. Best of the Kerala culture and traditions are part of this festival. Grand celebrations and festive events take place on this festival. It is a harvest festival and all the communities of Kerala take part in the celebrations of this festival. This festival celebrates the homecoming of legendary Malyali king Mahabali.

Significance of Onam:

Onam is celebrated to mark the homecoming of legendary king Mahabali. It is believed that spirit of their hero visit the state at the time of this festival.

Legend of Onam:

It is believed that it is during the reign of Demon King Mahabali, Kerala experienced the best time of its prosperity. Also his subjects were happy and regarded him as their God. All this made him very proud and egoistic. Gods felt challenged by his growing power. So they made use of his weakness to end him. But besides that, he was granted a boon that he can visit his people every year. It is believed that his spirit comes every year to Kerala.

Date of Onam:

Onam is celebrated in beginning of the month of Chigam which is August-September. Chigam is the first month according to the Malayalam Calender.

Celebrations OF Onam:

Celebrations of Onam are performed in the form of a carnival which lasts for full ten days. Out of these ten days, first day, Atham and the tenth day Thiruonam are the most significant days of this festival.

Many cultural events such as breathtaking boat race, ambrosial Onasadya, Kaikottikali dance, decorated elephants, folk songs, rich feast take place on the occasion of Onam.

Onasadya is the grand feast, served on Thiruonam which is comprised of 11 to 13 traditional dishes. It is served on banana leaves. Vallamkali or snake boat race is another striking and unique feature of this festival.

Impressed by the popularity of this festival, Government has declared that period as “Tourist Week’ In Kerala.