Onam is Kerala's most important and colourful festival. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy all over the state. Onam is celebrated to honour the homecoming of King Mahabali, who was known for his prosperous and generous rule. Onam falls in August or September, depending on the calendar in Malayalam. The festival lasts for ten days and has a lot of attractions and activities. It is one of the most celebrated festivals in the country. Boat racing, traditional games, feasts, and cultural performances are some of the highlights of Onam. In this article, get ready to immerse yourself in the top attractions of this spectacular celebration, where each tradition is a story waiting to be told, and every moment is a memory in the making. Welcome to the extravaganza of Onam, a festival that illuminates Kerala and the hearts of those who experience its joyous celebration.

Thripunithura Athachamayamcolorful

The Thripunithura Athachamayam is a significant and colourful event that marks the beginning of the Onam festival in Kerala, particularly in the historic town of Thripunithura near Kochi. This parade, steeped in tradition and rich in cultural heritage, showcases Kerala's various art forms, folk dances, and music. This parade is a tribute to the royal traditions of the ancient kingdom of Cochin. In the past, the king accompanied the procession to the fort of Tuppunithura.

During Athachamayam, the streets of Thripunithura come alive with spectacular floats, decorated elephants, and groups performing traditional art forms like Kathakali, Theyyam, Panchavadyam, and more. The festival also features representations of historical and mythological characters, adding to the magnificence of the procession. The Thripunithura Athachamayam is a festive event and a living museum of Kerala's rich cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the state's diverse artistic traditions and historical past.

Celebrations at Thrikkakara Temple

The Thrikkakara Temple, located near Kochi in Kerala, plays a central role in the Onam festivities, as it is believed to be closely associated with the legend of King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu's Vamana avatar. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vamana, becomes a hub of celebrations during Onam, drawing devotees and tourists from across the region and beyond.

During Onam, the Thrikkakara Temple is embellished with festive decor, creating a spiritual and celebratory atmosphere. The temple rituals and festivities mirror the cultural richness of Kerala.

The temple conducts special poojas and ceremonies throughout the Onam period. These rituals hold great significance and are attended by thousands of devotees. The temple resonates with the chants and prayers, creating a divine ambience.

Boat Races (Vallam Kali)

The Vallam Kali, or the snake boat races, is one of Kerala's most exhilarating and iconic aspects of Onam celebrations. These races are not just a display of physical strength and endurance but also a reflection of the state's rich cultural heritage and community spirit.

The most well-known of these is the 'Nehra Trophy Boat Race' on the 'Punnamada Lake' in Alappuzha. Other notable races include the Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race on the Pamba River in Aranmula, the Payippad Jalotsavam on the Payippad River, and the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race on the Pamba River. Each of these events draws large crowds and is a significant tourist attraction.

Pookalam (Flower Rangoli)

Pookalam, the exquisite floral carpets of Kerala, is an integral and visually stunning aspect of the Onam celebrations. These are not just mere decorations but a vibrant expression of Kerala's cultural and artistic ethos, deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism. Pookalam competitions highlight the Onam season, with communities, schools, and organisations hosting contests to create the most beautiful and intricate designs.

The tradition of making Pookalam during Onam is steeped in mythology. It's believed to be a way of welcoming King Mahabali's spirit, who is believed to visit Kerala during the Onam festival. The Pookalam, therefore, is more than just a decorative element; it symbolises welcome and hospitality, representing the spirit of Onam, which is about celebrating nature, culture, and community harmony.

Pulikkali Tiger Play

Pulikkali, also known as the 'Tiger Play,' is a spectacular folk art form that is an integral part of the Onam festivities in Kerala, especially in Thrissur. This vibrant and energetic performance involves artists painting their bodies to resemble tigers and hunters and then dancing to the beats of traditional percussion instruments like the chenda and thakil. The Pulikkali adds a distinct and vibrant dimension to the Onam festivities, making it a memorable experience for those who witness this extraordinary blend of art, culture, and performance.

Onam Sadya (Feast)

Onam Sadya is one of the most essential parts of the Onam festival in Kerala. It symbolises the richness of Kerala's cuisine and the unity of Kerala. The Onam Sadya isn't just a festival of food. It's a cultural symbol that unites flavours, aromas, and the spirit of Kerala on one banana leaf.

Typical Dishes Served:

Some of the typical dishes in an Onam Sadya include:

• Rice: The main staple of the Sadya is usually parboiled rice.
• Sambar: A flavorful lentil-based vegetable stew.
• Avial: A thick mix of vegetables and coconut seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves.
• Thoran: A dry vegetable dish typically made with finely chopped vegetables, coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.
• Erissery: A curry made from pumpkin, beans, and coconut, spiced with pepper.
• Puli Inji: A sweet and sour ginger-based condiment.
• Pachadi and Kichadi: Yogurt-based dishes similar to raita, made with vegetables like cucumber or beetroot.
• Banana Chips and Sharkara Varatti: Fried banana chips coated with jaggery.
• Payasam: A sweet dessert, generally made with rice, milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom.

The Sadya is not just a meal but a celebration of Kerala's past, its diverse agricultural produce, and rich culinary traditions. Each dish in the Sadya has a story to tell. Eating the Sadya on a banana leaf and sitting cross-legged on the floor also adds to the traditional and communal experience, making it an integral and cherished part of the Onam festivities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Onam is a vibrant celebration in Kerala that brings together people from different walks of life. It is a time for traditional worship, feasting, and sports activities. Elaborate decorations, traditional dances, and music mark the festival. Onam is a unique festival that celebrates the culture and heritage of Kerala and is the perfect way to enjoy the region's beauty.