The customs of Onam may vary from region to region, because people in the southern state of Kerala are known for the performance of rituals that are native to their place. Go through the following lines to get some interesting information on the rituals of Onam festival. It is an enthralling carnival during the festive season, when people indulge themselves in merrymaking by playing a number of games, shopping, feasting, dances and taking part in the community events wherein cultural programs are organized.
On the ninth day of Onam, tenants of the family, dependants and hangers-on present the fruits of their labor, such as vegetables and coconut oil, to 'Karanavar', (the eldest member of the family) in a ritual called 'Onakazhcha'. In return, they are treated with a sumptuous feast on the main day of Onam. It is also customary for the village artisans to present the Karanavar of each Nair Tarawad, a specimen of his handiwork in return of the presents of cloth or rice.
Maveli Pooja is one of the prominent rituals of Onam. Specific to the Malabar (northern) part of Kerala, people residing there perform the Maveli Pooja on the Uthradam (ninth day) and Thiruvonam (tenth day) of Onam. In order to perform the pooja, three small sized figurines, made of red sand are erected, at the verandah of households. The pooja is performed early in the morning as well as in the dusk, by the prominent man (generally the bread-winner) of the home.
Onathallu is a mock fight performed to mark the advent of the festive season of Onam. Also referred to as Kayyankali, Onathallu is a very old ritual that is followed in many regions of Kerala. In the barehanded fight, the combatants are clad in mundu (dhoti) or plain white cotton cloth that is worn high, like tight shorts.
