Onam is the grandest festival in Kerala that marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The festival lasts for ten days with Kerala's climate, senic beuaty,culture and tradition at their best.
ONAM IS the grandest festival in Kerala that marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The festival lasts for ten days with Kerala's climate, senic beuaty,culture and tradition at their best. Intricate flower carpets, elaborate food preprations, snake boat races and the kaikottikkali dance add colour and flavour to the festival. Onam festival is celebrated in the beginning of the first month of Malayalam calendar called Chingam. This year Onam festivities start from August 23.
Another distinguishing feature of Onam is the snake boat race that is held on the river Pampa. It is a colourful sight with hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators race their boats.
There is also a tradition to play games of Onakalikal, Talappanthukali, Ambeyyal, Kutukutu. Kayyankali and Attakalam during Onam. Women have a gala time through cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of the house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations. During Onam, the feast and festive mood of the people of Kerala in new dresses is at its best. People in Kerala forget their sectarian feeings to join together to welcome the auspicious Onam