Guest guest Posted September 2, 2009 Report Share Posted September 2, 2009 Onam, a fascinating and spectacular festivity, is the biggest festival in Kerala. This ten-day annual festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August - September), starting from the day of lunar asterism Atham and concludes on asterism Thiruonam. Also known as the harvest festival, Onam Festival marks the arrival of the legendary King Mahabali. The carnival of Onam invokes the Kerala culture and tradition with its traditional feasts (Onasadya), folk songs and dances, exquisitely decorated Onam Pookalam (Athapookalam), stunning Vallamkali (Snake Boat Race) and traditional Kerala games. The Keralites make fabulous arrangements to invite King Mahabali and celebrate in a grand manner. In 2009, Onam Festival starts on 23rd August 2009 and Thiruonam (main Onam) is celebrated on 2nd September 2009, Wednesday. Onam Rituals Though all the ten days are important, the first day, Atham, and the last or tenth day, Thiru Onam, are notable ones. An interesting feature is the Pookalam or the flower carpet which starts from the first day. The front courtyard of almost every house in Kerala is decorated with Attha Poo to welcome the king. The Pookalam increases in size on the subsequent days with the addition of more flowers into it. Steamed bananas and fried pappadam (pappad) are included in the food till the day of Thiruonam. You can see the youngsters enjoying themselves swinging and singing in the beautifully decorated swings which form an important part during Onam. Love Cricket? Check out live scores, photos, video highlights and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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