Onam is a Hindu festival, celebrated with a great enthusiasm
throughout Kerala during the Malayali month of Chingam
(August and September). It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with
joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According
to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose
spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. Onam is one of the most ancient Hindu festivals which
is still celebrated with a great devotion.
Onam is celebrated for ten days -
Atham is the first day and Thiruvonam is the final day of the celebration.
People wear new clothes, decorate their houses and put flower carpet called
'Pookalam' in front of their houses. Special pujas are offered in the temples
in early morning and younger members take blessings and gifts from the elder
members of the family. During Onam traditional rituals are performed followed
by a lavish feast with twenty-one homemade curries and sweet payasam on
plantain leaf. Spectacular Carnivals of elephants, fireworks, boat races, music
and the famous Kathakalli dance are traditionally associated with this festival.
The state government of Karala conducts Tourism Week celebrations in connection
with Onam, showcasing Kerala's beauty and culture.
Government of India has taken due
notice of this vibrant and colorful festival. It promotes Onam internationally
in a big way and celebrates ‘Tourist Week’ for Kerala during Onam celebrations.
Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam.
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