Onam: Colours of Kerala

Onam, the ancient festival of Kerala, is also one of the important and eagerly awaited festival of the state where its traditional aspects unravel in the fullest measure.

The rice festival of rain flowers falls on the Malayalam month of Chingam.

Apart from being the harvest festival, ushering in a mood of celebration, it commemorates the golden reign of King Mahabali, the benevolent king of the Keralites.

The auspicious festival is highly revered by the people of Kerala. It is believed that Onam brings down the best for the people.

Feast and festivities are a part of Onam. 'Thiruvonam' falls in the month of August/September every year. Onam is celebrated for ten days.

NDTV surfer Jomy Joseph Varghese has sent this picture along with his wishes on the festival of Onam.

This picture of rangoli was sent by Badri from Kolkata.

NDTV surfer Poornima Sunderraj has sent this picture from Chennai.

In these ten days, the cultural and traditional aspects of Kerala are joyfully and colourfully represented in the celebrations associated with Onam.

People decorate their house with flowers and intricate flower items for the welcome of the king.

The multicoloured flower arrangements are called Pookalam.

Badri from Kolkata also sent this picture of a spectacular rangoli with Onam as the theme.

Many dances are prepared to celebrate the festival in a grand way. People welcome the king by impressing him with joy and happiness among them.

Various dance forms like Kaikotti Kali, Thumbi Thullal, Pulikali, Kaduvakali, Kathakali etc are some of the important events that take place every year.

People take a nine course meal consisting of 12-13 dishes. This meal is known as Onasadya and is served on banana leaves.

A procession of elephants is used in the folk dances presented by the dancers and women of Kerela.

Onakalikal is a tradition to play games on the festival where men take on games like Talappanthukali, Ambeyyal, Kutukutu and Attakalam. Whereas women design folk performances adding to the joyous celebrations.

The ten days of Onam are called as Atham, Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom & Thiruonam respectively. The last day is the most sacred day of the festival celebrated with great fireworks across the city.

Onakkodi is a tradition to wear new clothes on the tenth day of Onam that is also known as Second Onam.

Deepti, our surfer has sent this picture of Onam celebrations from Quilon.

NDTV surfer Deepti has sent this picture from Quilon.