ONAM

Onam is the harvest festival which usually falls between the end of August and beginning of September during the Malayalam month CHINGAM.

Onam festival activities are famous all over the world like the Onam Vallamkali (boat races), Onam Pookalam (flower carpets) and Onam Sadhya (food). Onam festival unites everyone from all communities in Kerala irrespective of their religion and caste. Onam is celebrated to welcome the mythical King Mahabali, where we all believe that he visits the state of Kerala, during the time of Onam. When we all turn back to the ancient days, Lord Vishnu transformed to a dwarf Brahmin and attended the Yaagam hosted by King Mahabali. The Brahmin requested for three feet of land and Mahabali promised to give the same. The dwarf Brahmin grew huge and claimed the Earth and heaven. Since no land was left for the Brahmin, Mahabali offered his head to place the promised land with a condition that he (Mahabali) be welcomes to people's homes once a year. Hence, Onam is celebrated as the homecoming of Mahabali.
Onam celebrations in Kerala take place for 10 days. The 10 days of Onam festival are called Atham, Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and Thiruvonam. Each day has its importance and is celebrated in a different way that portraits the rich culture and history of the state. 
The traditional dances performed during Onam festival are Kathakali, Kummatti Kali, Pulikali/Kaduvakali, Thumbi Thullal and Kaikotti Kali. Onam festival is been one of the most popular Festivals being celebrated joyfully all over the world.

Vallamkali is a traditional snake boat race and is considered as the major attraction of the Onam festival.
Onam Sadhya contains all kinds of vegetarian dishes and is incomplete without the brown rice and the leaf. 
Onam Pookalam is the flower decorations made in front of the house to welcome King Mahabali. Onam was originated from Sanskrit word ‘Shravanam’ which is one of the 27 nakshatras.

Lastly, Onam is the symbol of Malayalam culture and tradition and is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and major celebrations.

ഹാപ്പി ഓനം (Happy Onam)

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