Onam Festival

Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala. People observe this festival in the month of Chingam, that is the ending of August and beginning of September, with a grand feast. Onam signifies the abundance of nature after a year of hard labor. Ironically, people say that king Mahabali ruled the state a long time before; and under his reign, his people lived happily. Therefore, the people of Kerela observe this festival to remember King Mahabali. The belief: during Onam festival, the beloved King Mahabali returns to Kerala to pay a visit his people. So, they put pookalam (a flower mat) for him. It is a symbol of welcoming their beloved King Mahabali.

This festival is marked by the spectacular snake boat races on Pampi River and a long procession at Trichur.

On the eve of Onam festival, Keralites clean their houses and decorate them. On Onam festival, they wear new clothes. Different types of recipes, favorite dishes are served on banana leaves and different types of sweets are cooked. One delicious food called payasam (a sweet porridge) is served. Women dress up in new clothes and wear precious jewelry. They make various designs of rangolis and pookkalam in front of their houses.

One of the significant features of this festival is Vallamkali-in Malayalam it means the great boat race. Hundreds of men row the boat, beating the drums and cymbals. On the top of each boat, there is a silk umbrella with gold coins hanging from it. Various boats including Chundans (the snake-like long boats) participate in the boat race.

Different types of recipes are served on banana leaves during the famous Onam festivals, such as Moru curry, Thoran, Injipuli, and Sambhar.

Not only Hindus but also Christians and Muslims observe Onam festival. It is such a festival that binds people of Kerala irrespective of race and religion.