17-08-2017, 10:00 PM
19-08-2017, 10:23 AM
Onam is an annual Hindu festival with origins in the state of Kerala in India. It falls on the Malayalam calendar of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August-September. The festival commemorates the mythologies Mahabali, Vamana (Vishnu avatar), Kashyapa and Parashurama related to Hinduism.
Onam is an important annual event for the people of Malayali inside and outside of Kerala. It marks the summer harvest and is celebrated with numerous festivities. It includes Vallam Kali, Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower arrangements), Onathappan (cult), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (female dance), Kummati kali (dance mask), Onathallu Handicrafts), Onavillu Music), Kazhchakkula (banana offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dances) and other celebrations. It is New Year's Day for Malayali Hindus.
Onam is the official state festival of Kerala with the holidays beginning four days of Onam Eve (Uthradom). It is celebrated by the Malayali Diaspora around the world. Despite a Hindu festival, the non-Hindu communities of Kerala participate in the celebrations of Onam considering that it is a cultural festival. However, some non-Hindus in Kerala denounce its celebration as a cultural event because they regard it as a religious festival.
Onam falls in the month of Chingam, which is the first month according to the Malayalam calendar. Celebrations mark the Malayalam New Year, extend for ten days, and conclude with Thiruvonam. The ten days are known sequentially as Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and Thiruvonam. The first and last day are particularly important in Kerala and Malayalee communities elsewhere.
Atham's day is marked with the beginning of festivities in the temple of Vamanamoorthy Thrikkakara (Kochi). This temple of Vishnu is considered as the focal center of Onam and the abode of Mahabali, with the raising of the festival flag. The parades are celebrated, which are colorful and represent elements of Kerala culture with floats and pictures.
Other days have a wide range of celebrations and activities ranging from boat races, dance events, martial arts, floral designs, prayers, shopping, donating time or food to charity to spend time with family during the holidays. Men and women wear traditional dress. The Kerala sari or Kasavu sari is particularly popular.