Kerala’s biggest cultural harvest festival Onam began on August 20 and the main festival will be celebrated on August 31.
Every year, Malayalam community celebrate Onam festival for around ten days by various cultural events, feasting, and colorful decorations.
Pookkalam
The most iconic aspect of Onam is the elaborate floral carpet known as “pookkalam,” which is made using various colorful flowers arranged in intricate patterns at the entrance of homes. Another highlight is the traditional dance form called “Thiruvathira Kali,” where women perform in a circle to rhythmic music.
The Thrikkakara Appan makes an appearance on the pookkalam on Thiruvonam day. The clay pyramids represent Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. However, some legends claim that the structures represent Lord Mahabali, the much-loved king. The Thrikkakara Appan is placed on top of a wooden platform covered with a banana leaf and worshipped.
Onasadya
Feasting is a significant part of Onam, with the grand Onasadya (feast) being prepared on the main day of Thiru Onam. It consists of numerous vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf, symbolizing the unity and diversity of the people of Kerala.
Onapottan
He does not utter a word, but enacts the story of Onam beautifully as he travels across villages in North Malabar on Uthradam and Thiruvonam Days. Onapottan, a folk character representing Lord Mahabali, is dressed in a costume with a heavy crown and colourful makeup. Singers who narrate the story to the rhythm of drums and cymbals accompany the Onapottan.
Boat race during Onam
Onam also includes boat races, known as “Vallam Kali,” where beautifully decorated traditional boats compete in various water bodies. The most famous among these is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Alappuzha.
The race is being held on Thiruvonam (August 29).
Kerala Tourism department has announced that the Aranmula Boat Race will be held at River Pamba, Pathanamthitta on September 2.
Happy Onam!
