Harvest festivals hold great significance in India as this big country is mostly an agrarian society since ancient times. With different harvest festivals like Lohri in Punjab, Bihu of Assam, Onam is also another popular crop festival of the state of Kerala. The festival lasts for about ten days and is celebrated to mark the homecoming of the ancient mythical Emperor Mahabali and also showcases the rich heritage and culture of the state.

Onam is believed to have come from the Sanskrit word Shravanam, which refers to one of the 27 constellations. During the Onam celebration a wide range of activities take place all over the state and lasts for over two weeks. So, let’s discuss in this blog some of the major attractions of this festival that you too can enjoy.

Thripunithura Athachamayam

Athachamayam festival is the beginning of Onam and the festival displays a street parade that is accompanied by decorated elephants, musicians, carnival floats and many other traditional art forms popular in Kerala. The parade marks the march of Maharaja of Kochi who used to ride the elephant to visit the Thrikkakara Temple. The whole town gets in a festive mood and there are floral arrangements, street stalls and floral rangoli competition.

Pulikkali Tiger Play

This is one of the biggest attractions of the Onam festival and it is also called a tiger festival where hundreds of people are dressed up in the attire of a tiger and dance to the beats of the traditional music to celebrate Onam. To dress up completely, people take up around four hours and the best dressed tiger and best dancer gets a prize.

Aranmula Snake Boat Race

Another best part of Onam festival is its snake boat race in Aranmula and this activity attracts the largest crowd of spectators. It is a traditional ritual rather than a competition and the race comprises of about 50 boats participating in the celebration.  It starts in the afternoon and continues till all the rituals are completed.

Onasadya

Onam is considered to be a festival of traditional delicacies and recipes of Kerala. This is the time when grand meals are prepared and served on a banana leaf. It is a nine course meal with at least four or five vegetables that varies from house to house. Most of the time the families cook about ten to eleven dishes for the Onasadya and even restaurants prepare as many as 30 dishes during the celebration.

Folk dances

Another major attraction to be considered is the folk dances that are performed by women. Kalkottikali is a clap dance that is performed during this occasion when women dance and sing in praise of the King Mahabali. The dance is performed in circles and is also called Thumbi Thullal.

Onapookkalam

This refers to the floral carpets that are made from flowers of several varieties. It is a common sight during the Onam celebration and it starts from the first day till the end of the festival. Competitions are also held at various places and the best design gets a prize.

So, make you plans today and enjoy the festival of Onam!