Highlights of Onam

Highlights of Onam

Onam Sadhya:

This is a special multi-course meal served on banana leaves. Many traditional vegetarian dishes are prepared and people look forward to the delicious sweet dish “Payasam”.

Vallam kali:

The famous snake boat race is very popular and attracts many people during Onam. The boats are in the shape of a snake and it has over hundred oarsmen who sing a song in chorus while rowing the boat.

Pookolam:

Pookolam means flower rangoli. Rangolis made with colourful, fragrant flowers adorn the doorstep of every house. Competitions are held in some places to bring out and appreciate great talent in making Pookolam.

Cultural Events:

Thiruvathira Kali

Kummattikali

Thiruvathira Kali is a traditional women’s dance where they dance in a circle around a lamp. Women wear the traditional white Sari with gold border, also known as Kasavu saree. Other popular dances include Kummattikali, Thumbi Thullal, Onam Kali etc.

Significance:

Onam is considered to be a harvest festival. Onam is primarily a harvest festival and typically falls in the months of August or September annually which corresponds to the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam (the first month of the Malayalam calendar). Kerala welcomes the sun after three months of heavy rains and is eager to reap the harvest after the months of hard labour in the fields.