Onam Festival- Kerala

Every state of India celebrates unique fair and festivals that makes it incredible. Onam is one of the most celebrated and biggest festivals of South Indian state Kerala. It is an ancient festival which still survives in the Modern times. After three months of heavy rains the sky becomes clear, the canals and rivers come alive with the waters, forests getting more lush and green and orchards are in full bloom. It is the perfect time to reap and harvest to celebrate and to enjoy the enchanting beauty of nature spreading all around. The harvest festival of Onam corresponds with the Malyalam New Year, Chingam. Celebrated for the 10 days the festival of Onam is all about worshipping, music, dances, sports, boat races and merry making. The festival mainly falls in the end of August or in the beginning of September.

According to a popular legend Kerala was ruled by the mighty demon king Mahabali. That was a golden era for the Kerala as every body in the state was happy and prosperous. He was that much respected that even the Gods under Indra become jealous of him. They approached Vishnu and he promised them to bring the end of Mahabli's era. Vishnu assumed the form of a dwarf the Vaman and tricked him to move to Pathalam. But due to his good deeds God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached. It is his visit that is celebrated in the form of Onam festival every year. People do all the things to impress upon their king and they are happy and wish him well.

The most important things about Onam are the Onakkodi. New cloths worn on this day and Onam Sadya, a feast which is quite relishing is served. It is a feast served on the banana leaves and serves rice along with the array of 4 dishes traditional pickles and Papadam with a desert of payasam.

During the festival people make floral patterns on the ground in front of their houses called Pookkalam. The Vallamkali or the snake boat race is another famous event that is synonymous with Onam. During the festival Keralite Hindus install an image of Thrikakara Appan that is Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana. Onam is an important festival of Hindus but now it is celebrated with equal fervor by people of all walks life of Kerala.

Visit Kerala and cherish the spirit of Onam breathtaking vistas of the state, clap on the rhythms of Kaaikottikali or indulge yourself in the adventure and thrill of Onakalikal. Onam is such a beautiful festival. To enjoy thrill and adventure just plan a trip to Kerala. For Kerala tour bookings just fill the form or write to us.