The festivities for Onam continue for ten days and all of these days are filled with different kinds of customs. A colorful parade marks the beginning of the festival and it displays many aspects of the cultural heritage of this region. A pookalam is a carpet made out of flowers and such a decoration is the major attraction of this festival. Pookalams are made at homes as well as in places of work and educational institutions by everyone. The Onam meal or sadya is also a very important ritual and plantains play a major role in the grand feasting. Traditional dances as well as snake boat races are an important part of this auspicious long festival.
Onam is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala.
Though the experience starts early and is ten days long, the main event i.e. Onam Thiru will be celebrated on the said date. This occasion is celebrated for welcoming King Mahabali, a wise person who turned greedy and served days in hell, as a good person again in the country. A festival celebrated by the Malayali community no matter in which part of the world they are. They celebrate it by decorating their houses with flowers and art, a big Malayali cuisine meal, also a lot of sports that are popular in Kerala are observed. On this occasion be closer to your dear ones in India by sending Onam gifts from any part of the world, through our website and make it a day to reminisce about.
The festival of Onam is celebrated for 10 days though the primary function of the festival is celebrated on the 8th day. In 2020 it will start from 24th August to 2nd September and the main event that is Onam Thiru will commence on 31st August. It is said that there was once a wise King Mahabali who became greedy and at this time Lord Vishnu took an avatar of a poor Brahmin and Mahabali was sent to hell so that peace and prosperity comes back to the place. And so every year the return of Mahabali to the country is celebrated as Onam. The ten-day-long celebration involves a lot of rituals, flower decorations, and sports completed with a traditional Malayali meal course.
Onam the cultural festival of Kerala is a ten-day affair and post-Onam celebrations which add two days, will start on 1st September and end on 13th September 2019. Each day has a different name of celebration and is also celebrated in different ways. As per historians, it is said that during the reign of King Mahabali in Kerala, people witnessed a better time and for his sacrifice, he was rewarded and so the festival of Onam is celebrated to honor him. It is also a harvest festival and so to celebrate this festival with your loved ones in India, you can send them flowers, fruits, and sweets from our online gifting portal and even enjoy being abroad with your family and friends.
Onam is a harvest festival that is celebrated in the southern states of India, especially in Kerala. This day is also observed for the Vamana Avatara of Lord Vishnu and it takes place in the month of Chingam in the Malayalam calendar. It also commemorates the annual visit of King Mahabali or Bali who, although a demon king, was a much loved one. There are various rituals that are a part of this event like Vallam Kali, Pulikali, and Onavillu among others. This festival is a very old one and its popularity among the people has made it survive till the present era.
This wonderful festival was started as a sign of respect to King Mahabali who happened to be an Asur (a negative being) but ended up becoming a Sur through his hard work and virtue. It is said Kerala had flourished under him and every single person in the state was content. Not a single person went to bed without food under his rule and always found help from the great kind. The myth of King Mahabali is one of the most inspirational stories you will ever hear and it ends with him sacrificing himself for all the people – unbroken and true to his promises. As a reward for all his sacrifices, the people of Kerala have been celebrating his life through this festival. Onam celebrations have always been lively and full of life – just like King Mahabali himself.
Onam is the most vibrant festival which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor throughout Kerala. Observing the Malayalam month of Chingam reveals a wide variety of Keralian customs and traditions. The whole state irrespective of caste, creed, or community gets indulged in this spirited carnival. Predominantly a harvest festival, Onam fosters peace, prosperity, and fortune for all.
The most spectacular festival of Kerala conveys the message of unity, prosperity, and ebullience. Greet your dear ones with your adorable present and enrich the spirit of Onam which is known for its unique luminosity.
