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One mention of Kerala and the memory of ‘Onam’ festival
springs to mind in many Indians. Kerala, the South
Indian coastal state regards Onam as a very important
festival. This festival often falls around the month of
September. If you ever visit Kerala around this festive
period you can expect to be absorbed by the joyful
festive mood which would go on for about ten days as the
Onam festival’s celebrations last for a period of ten
days.
Legend -Legend has that Onam is celebrated after the
memory of King Mahabali. It was said that the King ruled
Kerala long time ago and that he was a good King who
looked after his people well. Thus Onam symbolizes the
joyful rule of the King and the happiness that the
people had under his rule. The people also have the
belief that during Onam, the King returns to Kerala to
visit his people them. On Onam, everybody in the family
would be wearing new clothes. Delicious sweetmeats and
favorite vegetarian dishes would be cooked and served on
banana leaves. One important item that would be visible
outside each house is the ‘pookalam’ a flower mat. This
flower mat is like a symbol of welcoming the King
Mahabali. During Onam, traditional rituals are performed
and the people celebrate the occasion with a grand
feast. One favorite dessert that would be served on the
day is ‘payasam’ a sweet & tempting porridge.
During the celebrations of Onam, if you’re a tourist in
Kerala, you can never miss the colorful parade of
elephants & fireworks. For entertainment, the popular
Indian dance, ‘Kathakali’ dance would be performed and
other spectacular events like carnivals and sports
events would be some of the highlights for the festival
as well. At night there would also be songs and dances
to delight all. In fact, it has been noted that a high
number of tourists would always visit kerala around this
period just to catch all the action and joyous
celebrations of Onam.
Another attractive feature to watch out for during the
festival Onam is the famous ‘Vallamkali’ or otherwise
known as the great boat race. For this boat race
hundreds of men row the boats to the beat of drums and
cymbals. An interesting thing to note is that above each
boat there is a scarlet silk umbrella and gold coins are
hung from the umbrellas. There are various boats, which
also include the ‘Chundans’: the snake-like long boats
that are shaped like snakes. This event is a very
popular with many as various types of boats compete with
each other to win the race. Many usually crowd around to
catch the boat race and some cheer for their favorites
to win.
One remarkable thing about Onam is that it is celebrated
by all, not only Hindus but also by Christians and
Muslims who are living in Kerala. It is one festival
that unites all people regardless of race and religion.
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