Tuesday 29 August 2023

Onam (IPA: [oːɳɐm]) is an annual harvest festival celebrated predominantly by the Hindus of Kerala, India. A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events.

Onam (IPA: [oːɳɐm]) is an annual harvest festival celebrated predominantly by the Hindus of Kerala, India. A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events.

The date of Onam celebration is based on the Panchangam, and falls on the 22nd nakshatra Thiruvonam in the month Chingam of Malayalam calendar, which in Gregorian calendar falls between August–September.

The significance of Onam is twofold. Firstly, it is a celebration of the harvest and a thanksgiving to the gods for a bountiful crop. Secondly, it is a commemoration of the homecoming of King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler who is said to have ruled Kerala with justice and compassion.

Onam is a time for feasting, dancing, and merrymaking. The highlight of the festival is the Sadya, a traditional feast of over 20 dishes made from rice, vegetables, and meat. Other popular Onam activities include the Thiruvathira Kali, a dance performed by women, the Puli Kali, a masked dance performed by men, and the Vallamkali, a boat race.

Onam is a time for families to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage. It is a time for joy and laughter, and a time to give thanks for all that they have.

Here are some of the most popular Onam customs and traditions:

* **Sadya:** The Sadya is a traditional Onam feast that consists of over 20 dishes made from rice, vegetables, and meat. The dishes are arranged in a specific order on a banana leaf, and each dish has its own significance.
[Image of Sadya Onam festival]
* **Thiruvathira Kali:** The Thiruvathira Kali is a dance performed by women on the 10th day of Onam. The dance is performed in a circle, and the women sing and clap their hands as they dance.
[Image of Thiruvathira Kali Onam festival]
* **Puli Kali:** The Puli Kali is a masked dance performed by men on the 11th day of Onam. The men wear masks of tigers and other animals, and they dance to the beat of drums.
[Image of Puli Kali Onam festival]
* **Vallamkali:** The Vallamkali is a boat race that is held on the 12th day of Onam. The boats are decorated with flowers and flags, and the races are a colorful and exciting spectacle.
[Image of Vallamkali Onam festival]
* **Onavillu:** The Onavillu is a swing that is set up in front of the houses during Onam. People of all ages enjoy swinging on the Onavillu, and it is a symbol of happiness and good luck.
[Image of Onavillu Onam festival]
* **Kazhchakkula:** The Kazhchakkula is a special type of rice cake that is made during Onam. The rice cakes are shaped like flowers, and they are offered to the gods as a token of gratitude.
[Image of Kazhchakkula Onam festival]
* **Athachamayam:** The Athachamayam is a grand procession that is held on the last day of Onam. The procession is led by a replica of King Mahabali's golden chariot, and it is a colorful and festive event.
[Image of Athachamayam Onam festival]

Onam is a time for joy and celebration, and it is a cherished tradition for Keralites all over the world.

Onam (IPA: [oːɳɐm]) is an annual harvest festival celebrated predominantly by the Hindus of Kerala, India. A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events.

The festival is a 10-day celebration that begins on the Thiruvonam day, which is the 22nd nakshatra (lunar mansion) in the Malayalam calendar month Chingam. The date of Onam celebration is based on the Panchangam, and falls between August–September in the Gregorian calendar.

The festival is a time for family reunions, feasting, and cultural events. Onam Sadya, a traditional feast of over 20 dishes, is the main highlight of the festival. Other popular Onam activities include pookalam (flower rangolis), boat races, and traditional dances such as Thiruvathira Kali and Puli Kali.

There are many legends associated with the origin of Onam. One legend tells the story of King Mahabali, who was a benevolent ruler of Kerala. He was so loved by his people that they prayed to the gods to let him stay on as their king forever. The gods, however, banished Mahabali to the netherworld. But they allowed him to return to Kerala once a year during Onam.

Another legend tells the story of a great flood that once devastated Kerala. The only survivor was a woman named Manasa Devi, who prayed to the gods for help. The gods responded by creating a lotus flower that floated on the water. Manasa Devi climbed onto the lotus flower and floated to safety. The lotus flower is said to represent the state of Kerala, and Onam is a celebration of the state's survival against all odds.

Onam is a time for Keralites to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage. It is a time for families to reconnect and for friends to enjoy each other's company. Onam is a festival of hope and renewal, and it is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Keralite people.

Here are some of the popular Onam activities:

* **Sadya:** Sadya is a traditional Onam feast that consists of over 20 dishes, including rice, curries, vegetables, pickles, and sweets. The dishes are typically served on a banana leaf.
[Image of Sadya Onam festival]
* **Pookalam:** Pookalam is a beautiful flower rangoli that is created in front of homes during Onam. The rangoli is made up of different types of flowers, and it is a work of art.
[Image of Pookalam Onam festival]
* **Boat races:** Boat races are a popular Onam event in Kerala. The races are held on the backwaters of Kerala, and they are a thrilling sight to see.
[Image of Boat races Onam festival]
* **Thiruvathira Kali:** Thiruvathira Kali is a traditional Onam dance that is performed by women. The dance is graceful and rhythmic, and it is a celebration of womanhood.
[Image of Thiruvathira Kali Onam festival]
* **Puli Kali:** Puli Kali is a traditional Onam dance that is performed by men. The dancers wear tiger costumes, and they perform a fierce and energetic dance.
[Image of Puli Kali Onam festival]

Onam is a time for Keralites to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage. It is a time for families to reconnect and for friends to enjoy each other's company. Onam is a festival of hope and renewal, and it is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Keralite people.

Onam (IPA: [oːɳɐm]) is an annual harvest festival celebrated predominantly by the Hindus of Kerala, India. A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events.

The date of Onam celebration is based on the Panchangam, and falls on the 22nd nakshatra Thiruvonam in the month Chingam of Malayalam calendar, which in Gregorian calendar falls between August–September.

The significance of Onam is twofold. Firstly, it is a celebration of the harvest and a thanksgiving to the gods for a bountiful crop. Secondly, it is a commemoration of the homecoming of King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler who is said to have ruled Kerala with justice and compassion.

Onam is a time for feasting, dancing, and merrymaking. The highlight of the festival is the Sadya, a traditional feast of over 20 dishes made from rice, vegetables, and meat. Other popular Onam activities include the Thiruvathira Kali, a dance performed by women, the Puli Kali, a masked dance performed by men, and the Vallamkali, a boat race.

Onam is a time for families to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage. It is a time for joy and laughter, and a time to give thanks for all that they have.

Here are some of the most popular Onam customs and traditions:

* **Sadya:** The Sadya is a traditional Onam feast that consists of over 20 dishes made from rice, vegetables, and meat. The dishes are arranged in a specific order on a banana leaf, and each dish has its own significance.
[Image of Sadya Onam festival]
* **Thiruvathira Kali:** The Thiruvathira Kali is a dance performed by women on the 10th day of Onam. The dance is performed in a circle, and the women sing and clap their hands as they dance.
[Image of Thiruvathira Kali Onam festival]
* **Puli Kali:** The Puli Kali is a masked dance performed by men on the 11th day of Onam. The men wear masks of tigers and other animals, and they dance to the beat of drums.
[Image of Puli Kali Onam festival]
* **Vallamkali:** The Vallamkali is a boat race that is held on the 12th day of Onam. The boats are decorated with flowers and flags, and the races are a colorful and exciting spectacle.
[Image of Vallamkali Onam festival]
* **Onavillu:** The Onavillu is a swing that is set up in front of the houses during Onam. People of all ages enjoy swinging on the Onavillu, and it is a symbol of happiness and good luck.
[Image of Onavillu Onam festival]
* **Kazhchakkula:** The Kazhchakkula is a special type of rice cake that is made during Onam. The rice cakes are shaped like flowers, and they are offered to the gods as a token of gratitude.
[Image of Kazhchakkula Onam festival]
* **Athachamayam:** The Athachamayam is a grand procession that is held on the last day of Onam. The procession is led by a replica of King Mahabali's golden chariot, and it is a colorful and festive event.
[Image of Athachamayam Onam festival]

Onam is a time for joy and celebration, and it is a cherished tradition for Keralites all over the world.


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