In a few days, the people of Kerala will be celebrating their most important festival, Onam. The 10-day festival celebrates the homecoming of Mahabali, the legendary emperor who once ruled Kerala. It is said that during his reign, there was great prosperity and peace in the kingdom, as Mahabali was a generous and just ruler. 

As per the legend, the gods became jealous of Mahabali’s power and decided to get rid of him by hook or by crook. Lord Vishnu incarnated as a dwarf Brahmin called Vamana and managed to trick him and send him to Patal. But he also gave him a boon, whereby Mahabali could return to his kingdom and visit his subjects every year. This story underpins the origin of the Onam festival. 

Onam is also the harvest festival of Kerala, which is celebrated in the month of Chingam (mid-August – mid-September). Onam festivities and celebrations draw a huge number of tourists from other parts of India and abroad as many interesting events are organized during this time. They include cultural programs like dance, music, folk arts, boat races, floral rangoli/Pookalam competitions, Sadya (an elaborate feast), etc. Some of the cultural events include Thiruvathirakkali, Ona thallu, Pulikkali, Onavillu, Kaikottikkali, etc.

There are so many reasons to love Onam. Shall we explore five of them?

Malayalis celebrate Onam for 10 days, but Thiru Onam, named after Lord Vishnu’s birth star, is the most important day. 

1. Pookkalam or Floral Rangoli

Normally, colored or white rice flour is used to make festive rangolis. But for Onam, people use flowers and their petals to make the Pookkalam or floral rangolis. Children and adults get up early in the morning to collect the flowers from their own gardens or the neighborhood. The designs can be simple or intricate. Flowers of many colors are used to make these beautiful Pookkalams. Schools, colleges, and other associations conduct Pookkalam competitions, too, and the most beautiful Pookkalams are given cash prizes. 

2. Ona Sadya

Ona Sadya is a delicious repast that comprises an assortment of traditional Keralan vegetarian dishes that are served on a banana leaf. Apart from rice, there are around 15 different dishes or Kootaan. They include gravies like Parippu curry (dal with ghee), rasam, sambar, aviyal, olan, thoran, erissheri, pickles, pulisseri (curried buttermilk), pappadam, pachadi, 3 types of payasam (a dessert), etc. This Sadya is one of the important Onam rituals and is mandatory for Onam. Since it’s a large spread, the entire family comes together to make the dishes, making it a lot of fun. 

3. Vallamkali/Snake Boat Races

Snake boat races form an important part of the Onam celebrations. People from many parts of the world come to see these nail-biting races in which many local teams take part. The boat races are held at Aranmula and many other places. The Aranmula Boat Race is the oldest in Kerala. The Nehru Trophy Boat race is a marquee event that has more than 100 participants. It is the second most popular among the Onam boat races. It is definitely a thrilling and unforgettable experience! 

4. Traditional Kasavu Saris

If you see a woman wearing a simple white sari with golden borders, you can assume that she may be from Kerala. This traditional Kerala sari is a very elegant garment, especially when it is worn along with gold jewelry. These saris are called Kasavu sarees or Mundum Neriyathum, and women buy a new Kasavu sari for every Onam. Nowadays, they come in many modern designs, too, which make them more attractive.   

5. Colorful Street Processions

In many cities and towns, colorful street processions take place during Onam. People perform folk dances like Pulikkali, where the performers paint their bodies to resemble tigers. One can also see portly men dressed like King Mahabali walking around, making inquiries about people’s welfare. The capital city of Thiruvananthapuram will be beautifully illuminated at night. Locals and tourists throng the streets, admiring the illuminations. On the last day, there is a magnificent fireworks display.