DesiEvite Blog

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 | 9:39:00 AM

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.

Posted By Desievite Admin