Onam: The Harvest Festival
Just three days away from the auspicious Onam festival of India! Also known as the 'Harvest Festival' Onam is actively celebrated by Malayalis throughout India. It is the biggest festival for the people of Kerala, perhaps even more bigger than our very own Deepavali! This festival portrays the Malayali culture and tradition in the most intricate ways. This extravagant holiday, marks the home-coming of King Mahabali after being sent to the underworld. And what's more, it gives us school kids a day off, to just chill and start blending in with the Mallus!
Now the story behind this whole Onam concept is that King Mahabali was this legendary king who brought peace and harmony to the state of Kerala in the ancient times. This period was said to be the golden age of the Kerala. But Vamana, an avatar of Lord Vishnu pushed King Mahabali into the realm of the underworld, deep into the Earth. Because of King Mahabali's honesty and the peace he bought to Kerala, the lord granted him one visit to Kerala every year, and this day is known as Onam. This festival lasts for 10 days and starts with games and dance, like the Snake Boat Race and the Kaikottikali Dance. The people make 'Pookalam' in front of their houses, pookalams are designs made by flower petals, it shows the true tradition of Kerala. After this pujas and rituals are done, to honour the great Mahabali. This is basically done to welcome King Mahabali after his exile. The festival is known for it's lavish feast, known as the 'sadhya' where twenty-one different home-made curries along with a sweet 'payasam' is eaten on a leaf! This certainly makes me hungry! And using a leaf as your plate, how cool is that? You don't even have to wash the dishes! There's more,spectacular parades of caparisoned elephants, fireworks and the famous Kathakali dance are traditionally associated with Onam. It's also the season of many cultural and sport events and carnivals. All this makes Onam-time a perfect period to visit this coastal state, touted as "Gods Own Country". You don't even have to wash the dishes!
Onam is truly an exciting festival to witness, it brings out the true heritage of us Indians and how we celebrate our diverse culture. I can't wait for those spicy curries to hone my tastebuds! How did you like learning about this revered festival?
Now the story behind this whole Onam concept is that King Mahabali was this legendary king who brought peace and harmony to the state of Kerala in the ancient times. This period was said to be the golden age of the Kerala. But Vamana, an avatar of Lord Vishnu pushed King Mahabali into the realm of the underworld, deep into the Earth. Because of King Mahabali's honesty and the peace he bought to Kerala, the lord granted him one visit to Kerala every year, and this day is known as Onam. This festival lasts for 10 days and starts with games and dance, like the Snake Boat Race and the Kaikottikali Dance. The people make 'Pookalam' in front of their houses, pookalams are designs made by flower petals, it shows the true tradition of Kerala. After this pujas and rituals are done, to honour the great Mahabali. This is basically done to welcome King Mahabali after his exile. The festival is known for it's lavish feast, known as the 'sadhya' where twenty-one different home-made curries along with a sweet 'payasam' is eaten on a leaf! This certainly makes me hungry! And using a leaf as your plate, how cool is that? You don't even have to wash the dishes! There's more,spectacular parades of caparisoned elephants, fireworks and the famous Kathakali dance are traditionally associated with Onam. It's also the season of many cultural and sport events and carnivals. All this makes Onam-time a perfect period to visit this coastal state, touted as "Gods Own Country". You don't even have to wash the dishes!
Onam is truly an exciting festival to witness, it brings out the true heritage of us Indians and how we celebrate our diverse culture. I can't wait for those spicy curries to hone my tastebuds! How did you like learning about this revered festival?
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