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| Onam festival of Kerala wishescave.com |
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| Onam festival, Kerala, slideshare |
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| Onam pookolam (rangoli) with flowers, Kerala alamy.com |
The festive season of Onam (September 5 to September 15), often referred to as the season of plenty, was celebrated this year with great religious fervor and cultural richness across Kerala. Beyond Kerala, neighboring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Kanyakumari and the bordering districts, also joined in the celebration with enthusiasm.
The Spirit of Onam
Onam, Kerala's most popular 10-day traditional festival, marks the harvest season and the end of the monsoon. It is not just a time for feasting but also a period of cultural bonding, symbolizing unity and prosperity. The festival commemorates the return of King Mahabali, who is believed to visit Kerala every year during the Malayalam month of Chingam (22 nakshatra). The myth of Mahabali, a just and fair ruler, deeply resonates with the values of Kerala, making Onam more than just a harvest celebration, it is a festival of Kerala’s cultural identity and solidarity.
During Onam festival the Thrikkakara Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple i dedicated to Lord Vishnu's Vamana avatar is beautifully decorated. The most remarkable one is the elaborate sadya feast and coinless devotees visit the temple to partake of a morsel of the meal (see two images below).
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| Sadya fest, pure vegetarian meal. at the temple. mistay.in/travel-blog/8 |
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| Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple ive.staticflickr.com |
This year, Hindu temples across Kerala, including prominent ones in Thrissur, Guruvayur, and Sabarimala, witnessed massive gatherings of devotees. The streets were filled with the unmistakable charm of Onam, from the sight of women in embroidered resplendent off-white kasavu saris to the aroma of mouth-watering nentheram banana chips. Floral designs or Pookalam, made with an array of fresh flowers, adorned homes and public spaces alike, adding a colorful touch to the celebrations.
A key highlight of Onam is the Vallam Kali or snake boat races, held in Kerala's placid rivers, which drew large crowds of spectators. The graceful Kaikottikali dance by women and the lively Pulikali (folk dance where participants dress as tigers) added to the festive atmosphere. On the day of the main celebration, women donned traditional Kasavu saris, while men looked dapper in white veshti (dhoti) and shirts.
At home, families came together for the grand Onasadya—a traditional feast comprising 26 vegetarian dishes, a symbol of the abundance and prosperity associated with the festival.
The 10 Days of Onam: A Journey of Celebration
Each day of Onam holds special significance, contributing to the festival's cultural and religious importance:
Atham (Day 1): The festival begins with the creation of the Pookalam, a flower carpet, accompanied by prayers that set the tone for the celebrations.
Chithira (Day 2): Homes are cleaned, and the Pookalam is expanded, symbolizing the growing festive spirit.
Chodhi (Day 3): Families buy new clothes, known as Onakkodi, and continue to elaborate on their Pookalam designs.
Vishakam (Day 4): Markets bustle with activity as preparations for the grand Onasadya feast begin in earnest.
Anizham (Day 5): The famous Vallam Kali (snake boat races) take place, showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage and connection to its waterways.
Thriketa (Day 6): Families reunite, with the festival gaining momentum and joy spreading across communities.
Moolam (Day 7): Traditional dances like Kaikottikali and Pulikali bring cultural vibrancy, entertaining onlookers with their artistry and energy.
Pooradam (Day 8): The Pookalam reaches its most elaborate and beautiful state, representing the peak of artistic expression.
Uthradam (Day 9): Onam Eve is filled with excitement as families complete their preparations for the grand finale, Thiruvonam.
Thiruvonam (Day 10): The grand conclusion of the festival, marked by the sumptuous Onasadya feast, prayers, and joyous celebrations that bring families and communities together.
A Festival of Gratitude and Cultural Richness
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| Onam festival, Kathakali, Kerala mistay.in/travel-blog |
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| Onam, Kerala, snake boat, fabhotels.com |
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| Onam Puli Kali, .fabhotels.com |
Onam stands as a vibrant reminder of Kerala’s unity, cultural identity, and love for tradition. Even beyond the state, in neighboring regions, the festival brings communities together in a joyful celebration of life and heritage.
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