Onam in Kerala
Time for the preparations to welcome Mahabeli...
About Onam...
Keralites celebrate this festival in memory of the golden era of King Mahabali whose spirit is said to visit the state at the time of Onam. People put flower mats in front of their houses, to welcome the King, called 'Atha Poovu'. Keralites in any part of the world rush back to their native land to celebrate Onam. It is an occasion for family gatherings. It is also a perfect symbol of communal harmony since all communities get together and celebrate this truly national festival.
Pulikali...
Pulikali, (Kaduvakali) is another game of Onam celebrations. A group of performers paint their bodies in the likeness of a tiger and dance to the beat of Thakil and Udukku, traditional, drum-like music instruments. They prance about, dance and move like tigers. The tigers are accompanied by a hunter and a drummer. The theme is tiger hunting.
Thiruvathira...
Kaikottikali (Thiruvathirakali) is a dance form performed by girls in the open around the traditional brass lamp, Singing the traditional Malayalam song of Onam. It talks about the social justice enjoyed by citizens of Kerala during the reign of Emperor Mahabali.
Vallam Kali...
In Aranmula, near the temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna, thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pampa to witness the snake boat races. Around thirty chundan vallams or snake boats take part. And thousands of people gather. Every member of a village has a place on the boat. Singing traditional boat songs, the oarsmen in white dhotis and turbans splash their oars into the water to guide their boats to cruise along like a fish on the move.
Ona Sadhya...
In the past, Onasadya (Onam feast) was the only sumptuous meal eaten during the whole year. Irrespective of social status. A traditional malayalam proverb reflects on the importance of the feast - Kanam Vittum Onam Unnanam - Meaning, one may even sell off one’s possessions to celebrate Onam with the traditional feast.