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Onam Festival : Celebration, History & Significance

🌸 Onam Festival – The Harvest Festival of Kerala

Introduction:
Onam is the biggest and most popular festival of Kerala, celebrated by people of all religions with great joy and unity. It is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as a time of prosperity, equality, and happiness.

When it is celebrated:

  • Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam (August–September) in the Malayalam calendar.
  • The festival lasts for 10 days, with the most important day being Thiruvonam.

Why it is celebrated:

  • According to legend, the generous and kind King Mahabali visits his people during Onam.
  • The festival honors his memory and celebrates Kerala’s rich culture, traditions, and harvest season.

How it is celebrated:

  1. Pookalam (Flower Rangoli):
    • Colorful flower decorations are made at the entrance of homes to welcome King Mahabali.
  2. Onam Sadya (Feast):
    • A traditional vegetarian feast is served on a banana leaf, with over 20–25 dishes including avial, olan, sambar, rasam, and payasam.
  3. Vallamkali (Boat Races):
    • Spectacular snake-boat races are organized in rivers and backwaters of Kerala.
  4. Cultural Programs:
    • Traditional dances like Kathakali, Pulikali (tiger dance), and Thiruvathira are performed.
  5. Games and Sports:
    • Known as Onakalikal, people enjoy traditional games, wrestling, and tug of war.

Significance:

  • Symbol of prosperity, unity, and cultural pride.
  • Celebrates Kerala’s agrarian lifestyle and traditions.
  • Promotes harmony as people of all faiths join the celebrations.

Global Celebration:
Onam is celebrated not only in Kerala but also by Malayali communities across India and the world, especially in the Gulf countries, USA, and Europe.


✨ In short: Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala, celebrated with flower decorations, grand feasts, boat races, and cultural programs, honoring the legendary King Mahabali and spreading joy and unity.

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