Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Onam - Celebrating Kerala

Every year, Kerala celebrates a unique festival that sees a surreal blend of tradition, art, culture, myriad flavours and aesthetics. Anyone who has visited Kerala during that time will remember the air of celebration and the euphoric high that grips all. We are gearing towards the mother of all festivals. Onam is here!

According to mythology, Onam celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali when he arrives from the nether world to visit his subjects once every year. The festival is also celebrated as part of the agrarian practices as it is during this time of the year that the farmers reap a bountiful harvest. Each nook and cranny gets decked up, and life is at its most glamorous during these times. It is time for merriment and revelry. And every art form of Kerala gets celebrated. Performances are also held across villages and cities where artists showcase their art.

The celebrations for Onam go on for ten days. It begins with the Atham asterism in the month of Chingam (August/September) according to the local calendar. One of the most celebrated events that marks the arrival of the festival is the designing of floral carpets or Pookkalams that adorn the front yards of homes. This continues for ten joyful days. The other is the setting up of Oonjal or swings. Traditional games, music, dance, art, and other rituals are played and enjoyed by the young and the old alike.

The celebrations reach their pinnacle on the auspicious day of Thiruvonam. The most anticipated event of the day is the sumptuous meal called Onasadya (The Onam feast). A grand meal is arranged at home, and the spirit of the reunion is celebrated with all the family members participating in the preparation and serving of the feast. This is followed by traditional games, art and other festivities. It is a festival that brings together all communities and is celebrated by all sections of the community alike.

This festival is in a league of its own. And if you have experienced Onam, you have experienced Kerala.

A glimpse of Onam fervor for you,