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ONAM IN KERALA: OF BOAT RACES, FEAST, FOLK CULTURE GAMES AND PROCESSIONS
Date of Onam Celebrations: August 27, 2007
Place of Merriment: Kerala
Onam Festival
For tourists around the globe, Kerala is the tourist destination to beckon with. With nature's bounty and backwaters all round, you will also be fascinated to know the true festive colors of India is being evident in Kerala. One such festival is Onam, where Malayees look forward every year. Onam Festival of Keral reflects the 'faith' of the people, which is more or less dominates in India. It is the celebration of harvest where the fields look vibrant and pleasant. Onam is a time for homecoming time for people staying far off away from the families.
When is Onam?
Onam is celebrated in the beginning of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar. It usually rejoiced during August-September.
Rejoicing the arrival of KING MAHABALI
For Keralites, Onam greets the arrival of the most legendary King Mahabali, affectionately called Onathappan, who ushered the people a golden era in Kerala.
A CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA
The rich culture of Kerala is unfolded in its best form and colorful spirits during this colorful festival. The carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. There are elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of this dynamic festival.
ONAM FEAST
Womenfolk make special arrangements to welcome Onathappan. A grand feast called 'Onasadya' is prepared with lip-smacking 11-13 best of Kerala cuisine. These include avial, avial, sambhar, rasam, parippu and the payasam. They are served on special banana leaves, where people sit down on a mat for feasting.
ONAM SNAKE BOAT RACES
Another captivating feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colourful sight to watch the decorated boats called 'chundan vallams' roared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators.
ONAM GAMES
During the ten day Onam carnival, traditions to play exciting games called 'Onakalikal' are organized. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam.
Women engaged themselves in cultural activities during this time. They make intricately designed flower mats called 'Pookalam' to welcome King Mahabali. 'Kaikotti kali' and 'Thumbi Thullal' are two graceful dances performed by women during Onam. Besides, there is also a tradition of playing on a decorated swing hung from a high branch. Onappaattu - Onam Songs, are also sung on the occasion.
ONAM PROCESSIONS
Carnival of Onam encompasses a spectrum of fascinating activities. There are several colorful grand processions and boat races organized during this festival.
ATHACHAMAYAM
Athachamayam, a grand procession, marks the beginning of the grand Onam carnival. Celebrated with lot of fan-fair at Thirpunithura and Piravam. The highlighting features of this procession are performances by folk artistes, caparisoned elephants, musical ensembles and dance shows by skilled artsites.
PROCESSION OF DECKED ELEPHANTS
Trichur, the cultural capital of Kerala, marks the festival in its own beautiful style. Here, a procession of decorated elephants in carried out on the streets. It's a resplendent site to watch the bejeweled elephants walking on the streets in their full majesty and grandeur.
KADUVAKALI PERFORMANCE
This is the most entertaining custom of Onam. In this performers take the guise of tigers. They paint their bodies yellow with patterns of black and red. Scenes of tiger hunting goats and tigers being hunted by humans are beautifully depicted.