Onam is a Hindu festival which is celebrated with a
lot of enthusiasm in the state of Kerala, India. It is also
known as Vamana jayanthi because
on this day the Emperor Mahabali returned home. It starts in between
August and September. This year it falls in August. It lasts for ten days. It
is also a harvest festival. During this time rice is harvested. It is also
known as festival of rain flowers.
This
festival is full of fun and playfulness. It includes large banquet lunches,
snake boat races, Onappottan, Kaazhchakkula in Guruvayoor, Puli Kali,
Kaikottikkali etc. People wear new dresses, visit the temples and perform
dances like Thiruvadhira kali Thumbi Tullal etc. People also put
colourful flower mats in front of their houses to welcome King Mahabali. People
make Pookkalam from Various kinds of flowers. Pookkalam is the symbol of
secularism. The
swing is another integral part of Onam, especially in the rural areas.
A
feast called onam sadya is also observed during this festival. It is organised in the afternoon.
A Dessert
called payasam is also a common ingredient of this feast. It is made up of
milk, sugar and other traditional Indian herbs.
A
snake boat race called vallamkali is a huge event organised during onam. It is
known that one hundred men are required to row this boat. The race can be seen
in Kochin, Trivandrum, Thrissur, and Kottayam.
Special
prayers are also organised in the homes.
Onam is a colourful festival which is rich in
cultural activities. It has a variety which makes it a unique festival. The
variety is not found in other festivals.
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