Onam is the most important festival for Malayalis, and is celebrated allover Kerala during the month of Chingam, which is the first month of the Malayalam solar calendar, Kollavarsham. It is spread over ten days, the festival kicks off on a day known as Atham and carries on till the 10th day which is known as Thiru Onam or Thiruvonam, which means ‘Sacred Onam Day’.



Accordingly this year the festivities will begin on August 15 and carry on till August 24. After the 10th day, for about two more days as there are a few cultural events like the snake boat races, Pulikkali tiger play and others. Moreover Onam is celebrated to honor a demon king, as it is said that on Thiruvonam, the spirit of the demon king Mahabali visits Kerala. Onam is the festival for his welcome. Though a demon, he was said to be kind-hearted.

Image result for Importance of celebrating Onam Festival

Moreover flower mats called Pookalam are made for welcoming Mahabali and a meal is prepared which is called Onasadya. The celebrations comprise traditional dance, games and music and are referred to as Onakalikal. As per report Onasadya is a nine course meal comprising 10-13 dishes, like rice, sambar, rasam, avail and more. This is served on Thiruonam- which is the main day for the celebrations.


మరింత సమాచారం తెలుసుకోండి: