11-09-2017, 11:01 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 the Gregorian calendar overlaps with August-September. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu, the subsequent return of the legendary emperor Mahabali and the mythologies of Hinduism related to Kashyapa and Parashurama.
Onam is an important annual event for the people of Malayali in and out of Kerala. It marks the summer harvest and is celebrated with numerous festivities. Including Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (floral arrangements), Onathappan (cult), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal, Kummati kali arts, Onavillu ), Kazhchakkula (banana), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dances) and other celebrations. It is New Year's Day for Malayali Hindus.
Onam is the official festival of the state of Kerala with the holidays beginning four days of Onam Eve (Uthradom). It is celebrated by the Malayali diaspora around the world. Although a Hindu festival, non-Hindu communities of Kerala participate in the Onam celebrations as a cultural festival. However, some non-Hindus in Kerala denounce its celebration as a cultural event because they regard it as a religious festival.
