Onam is the major and most significant festival of Kerala. It is the great festival celebrated with enthusiasm and pleasure by the people of Kerala. This festival is celebrated to Welcome King Mahabali. He was a king who ruled Kerala long time ago. He was very kind who looked his people with love and care. Thus Onam celebration is the symbol of the King Mahabali’s joyful rule and also the happiness of the people who were under his rule. The people’s belief is during Onam the King Mahabali will return to Kerala to visit his people.
Onam is celebrated in the month of Kollavarsham, it is the first month of Malayalam calendar. According to Gregorian calendar it lies in the month of August – September.
The people of Kerala will clean their houses and decorate with ‘Pookalam’ it is also known as flower mat. This is the symbol of welcoming the King Mahabali. Everyone in the family used to wear new clothes. They will cook the favorite vegetarian dishes with sweetmeats called ‘payasam’ and served in banana leaves.
During the Onam season the tourist of Kerala never miss the colorful elephant parade and the popular Indian dance ‘Kathakali’. Another important feature of Onam is prominent ‘Vallamkali’ it is also known as Boat race. This festival is celebrated by Hindus, Muslims and also Christians of Kerala.
Onam Recipes
1. Avial
2. Sambar
3. Idli
4. Banana Halwa
5. Coconut chutney
6. Mor Kuzhambu
7. Dosas
8. Tomato rasam
9. Palada pradhaman
10. Payasam
11. Kheer
12. Rice puttu
13. Thoran
14. Olan
15. Parippu curry
16. Injithair
Onam Games
1. Onakalikal
2. Talappanthukali
3. Kayyankali
4. Attakalam
5. Ambeyyal
6. Kutukutu
Onam Dances
1. Kummatti kali
2. Pulikali / Kaduvakali
3. Kathakali
4. Thumbi thullal
5. Kaikotti kali
