Celebrate Onam In Kerala
Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala. While it can be considered as a Hindu festival, it has acquired a secular nature over the years and now everyone irrespective of their caste or creed celebrates Onam.
Onappookkalam – Malayali women giving finishing touches to the flower rangoli
Onam is a 10-day festival. Actually the festivities spill onto the 11th and 12th days as well. The 10th day is the most important. 9th and 11th days also possess great importance. Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam (August / September). It marks the homecoming of Kerala’s mythical king Mahabali. Several cultural events and activities are organized all over Kerala to celebrate Onam. These include Vallam Kali (snake boat race), Pulikali and Attachamayam.
When is Onam celebrated in 2016?
Indian festivals do not have fixed dates. This year Onam celebrations will start on September 4 (Attam) and culminate on September 14 (Thiruvonam).
Where
Onam is celebrated throughout Kerala. Malayalis living in other parts of the country and the world also celebrate Onam in their own ways. The making of the flower rangoli (Onappokkalam) on the floor is the most important aspect of the celebration. Locally available flowers are used for this. Children will gather flowers from gardens in their neighborhood early morning or the evening before and arrange them aesthetically on the floor outside their front door in the morning. The Pookkalam is typically made on dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house. This practice is changing. Now most homes in Kerala have tiled courtyards where no one bothers to plaster cow dung. Onappokkalams tend to be circular in shape; however, there are no specific rules regarding the size or shape of the pookkalam and one is free to unleash one’s creativity. These floral carpets are made on all ten days. Another important aspect of the Onam celebration is the preparation of elaborate meals (Onasadhya). They are prepared using locally available fruits and vegetables. In addition people wear new clothes. Onam vacation is another thing that children enjoy. It typically lasts ten days.
Onam is a great time to visit Kerala and get a feel of its culture and traditions. So, if you happen to be in Kerala around Onam, here are a few ways to make the most of your time.
Participate in the Atthachamayam procession
Atthachamayam procession
Atthachamayam (the royal parade on the first day of Onam) is a sight to behold. It flags off the Onam festivities in the state.
Where: Thripunithura in Ernakulam district.
If you want to watch Atthachamayam you need to be in Thripunithura, which is a suburb of Kochi. This year, Atthachamayam will be organized on September 4. The parade will include numerous floats and tableaus depicting various aspects of Kerala culture. The Vamanamoorthy Temple at Thrikkakara is the epicenter of celebrations.
Kerala has numerous folk art forms. Many of them have disappeared over the years because there aren’t many interested in performing them. Athachamayam gives Malayalis as well as tourists an opportunity to enjoy almost all of these art forms up close. The procession was originally a march of triumph of the King of Kochi. It no longer includes the King, but it remains as majestic as ever. Major attractions include various art forms, festooned elephants, floats, musical ensembles etc.
