Onam is a festival that has its roots in Kerala. Its a festival to celebrate harvest season. Also, as the history goes by, this festival welcomes King Mahabali who is believed to be visiting Kerala during this time. Onam is celebrated at the start of the month of Chingam, the
first month of Malayalam Calendar (August - September) and lasts for ten days. The tenth day 'Thiruonam' marks the grand finale. The highlights of this festival includes:
- elegant, simple - intricate, colorful, and creative Floral arrangements (referred to as 'Pookolam' - Rangoli using flowers)
- snake boat races
- dances by beautiful ladies in the traditional mundu (similar to half saree) or sarees
- onasadaya - a vegetarian feast on the 'Thiruonam' (tenth) day served on a banana leaf
With the spread and mix of culture in these days, the festival is celebrated at all places (within and outside Kerala) by Keralites and non-keralites too. Am in the mid way adding Kerala flavor to my life :) Its an enriching experience to know about the vast culture and tradition of India.
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| Onam - Pookolam (Flower Rangoli) and Onasadaya : 29th August 2012, Chennai |