India Travel Tour
Packages

Onam

Home >> Fair Festivals in India >> Onam

Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala celebrated to mark the home coming of legendry King Mahabali. According to Hindu mythology Mahabali the grandson of Prahlad was a good king. Fearing his popularity and growing power ‘Devas’ pleaded Lord Vishnu to handle him. Lord Vishnu in a ‘Vamana’ disguise went to Bali and asked for three footsteps of land. To complete the insufficient land Vishnu put his leg on Bali pushing him to Underground. He was given permission to visit his kingdom once in the year. This visit is celebrated as Onam.

The festival falls in the ‘Chingam’ month of Malayalam calendar, corresponding to August-September. The celebration lasts for 10 days. First day, called ‘Autham’ and last day, called ‘Thiruonam’ are most important. The festival is a mirror to the rich culture, heritage and delicious cuisines of Kerala. The food prepared on the 10th day called ‘Onam Sadya’, include around 12 dishes. The food is served on banana leaf with pickle, papad and sweetened milk.

Boat race called VallamKali is a significant activity in the Onam. Nehru Trophy Boat Race organized by Kerala Government is a spectacular event. Thousand of people from all over the country throng the place to watch the event. Other activities include Kathakali and Kummattikali dance, Onakalikal sport, and preparation of Pookalam flower decoration. Men go for various physical sport activities to enjoy the day. All the activity is done to please the returning king. Keralite Hindus also install idols of Vamana Vishnu and worship it during the Onam festival. In spite of being a Hindu festival, Onam is celebrated by all caste and creed with equal zest and fervor.