Onam - Official Festival of Kerala

Onam is an annual harvest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the state's official festival and includes a variety of cultural events, making it a major annual event for Keralites.

The Story Behind Onam

There is a legend about Onam. Once upon a time, a demon emperor named Mahabali ruled the country. He was the conqueror of the three worlds. The good rule of the emperor, who placed the welfare of men above all else, dimmed the splendor of the gods of heaven. Lord Vishnu agreed to give it back. So he incarnated as a Brahmin boy named Vamana and asked Mahabali for three feet of land to perform penance. Mahabali agreed to give it. Instantly Vamana took on the size of the universe and measured Mahabali's empire by two feet. When asked where the third one was, the righteous Emperor Bali bowed his head. Vamana kicked that head and sent Mahabali to the underworld. Onam is celebrated by Keralites as an opportunity given by Vamana to Mahabali to visit his loved ones once a year.

When Onam is celebrated?

In Kerala, Onam, the biggest celebration of the Malayalees, also falls in the month of Chingam, which heralds the arrival of the new year. August - September in English calendar.

Pookalam (a floral pattern)

Kerala's agricultural festival begins on Atham day and ends on the 10th day as Thiruvonam. During these ten days, it is customary to arrange flowers in the backyard.

Onakkodi or Onappudava (New Clothes)

Malayalees welcome Onam by wearing new clothes called 'Onakodi'.

Onam Sadhya (Feast)

The days of rejoicing are made more attractive by preparing a sumptuous Onam feast.

Vallamkali (Traditional Boat Race)

Keralites indulge in various programs during Onam. One of them is boat race. Vallamkali is a style of rowing a boat while singing and trying to be the first in the race. This pastime is prominent in Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts of southern Kerala.

Pulikali or Kaduvakali

'Pulikali' is a game where you dress up as a tiger. It is staged on the occasion of Onam festival in the month of Chingam. The tiger costume is worn by well-built and strong men. It is also called 'Kaduva Kali'. This entertainment art is more popular in central Kerala, especially in Thrissur and peripheral areas and in areas like Thrikakkara in Ernakulam district.

Thiruvathirakali or Kaikottikali (Dance)

'Thiruvathirakali' commonly called 'Kaikottikali' is an all-female group dance. 'Thiruvathirakalli' is also staged on the occasion of Onam.