Onam is a traditional Hindu festival that is celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is a ten-day festival that falls in the month of Chingam, which is the first month of the Malayalam calendar (August-September). Onam is a time of great joy and celebration.
Onam is a traditional Hindu festival that is celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is a ten-day festival that falls in the month of Chingam, which is the first month of the Malayalam calendar (August-September). Onam is a time of great joy and celebration, and it is marked by a variety of rituals, customs, and traditions.
The festival is celebrated to honor the memory of King Mahabali, who is believed to have ruled Kerala in ancient times. According to legend, King Mahabali was a just and fair ruler who was loved by all his subjects. However, he was eventually defeated and sent to the underworld by the Hindu god Vishnu, who took the form of a dwarf (Vamana) to trick the king.
Onam is a time when people come together to celebrate the legacy of King Mahabali and the rich culture and traditions of Kerala. Some of the customs and traditions associated with Onam include:
Pookalam: A pookalam is a colorful flower arrangement that is made by women in the home to welcome King Mahabali. The pookalam is usually made from flowers of different colors and shapes, and it is a symbol of prosperity and happiness.
Onam Sadhya: Onam Sadhya is a grand feast that is served on banana leaves on the day of Onam. It consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes that are prepared using traditional ingredients and cooking techniques.
Boat races: Boat races are a major attraction during the celebration of Onam. Teams of rowers compete in traditional wooden boats called chundan vallams, and the races are held on the backwaters of Kerala.
Folk dances and music: Onam is also a time for cultural celebrations, and people participate in traditional folk dances and music performances. Some of the popular folk dances performed during Onam include Thiruvathira, Kaikottikali, and Pulikali.
In summary, Onam is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated in Kerala with great enthusiasm and joy. It is a time for people to come together, celebrate their culture and traditions, and honor the memory of King Mahabali.
Attire
During the celebration of Onam, people typically wear traditional Kerala dresses such as the mundu (a garment worn around the waist) and the neriyathu (a garment worn over the mundu). The mundu is a long, flowing garment that is typically made of white or off-white cotton or silk. It is worn around the waist and is draped over the shoulder in a specific way. The neriyathu is a garment that is worn over the mundu and is made of colorful, patterned fabric. It is typically worn by women and is secured at the waist with a sash or belt.
In addition to the mundu and neriyathu, women may also wear traditional jewelry such as bangles, earrings, and necklaces. The jewelry is often made of gold or silver and is adorned with precious or semi-precious stones.
It is important to note that the specific attire worn during the celebration of Onam may vary based on regional and personal preferences. Some people may choose to wear more modern or western clothes, while others may opt for more traditional attire.
Food
Onam Sadhya is a grand feast that is served on the day of Onam, and it consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes that are prepared using traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. The feast is typically served on banana leaves, and people sit on the floor to eat. Some of the dishes that may be included in an Onam Sadhya are:
Rice: Rice is the staple food of Kerala and is an important part of the Onam Sadhya. It is usually served in the form of boiled or steamed rice or as various rice dishes such as biryani or pulao.
Vegetables: Vegetables are an important part of the Onam Sadhya and may be served as side dishes or as part of a main dish. Some of the vegetables that may be included in the feast are okra, drumsticks, yam, and pumpkin.
Lentils: Lentils are a popular choice for the Onam Sadhya and may be served in the form of dal (lentil soup) or as a side dish.
Pickles and chutneys: Pickles and chutneys made from various fruits and vegetables are a common accompaniment to the Onam Sadhya.
Sweets: Sweets are an integral part of the Onam Sadhya, and a variety of traditional sweets may be served as dessert. Some of the popular choices include payasam (a sweet, milky dessert), ada pradhaman (a dessert made from coconut milk and jaggery), and payar payasam (a sweet made from moong dal).
It is important to note that the specific dishes served during the Onam Sadhya may vary based on regional and personal preferences. The Onam Sadhya is a grand feast that is meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, and it is a time for people to come together and celebrate the festival.
