The harvest festival of Onam is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervour in the state of Kerala.
The Hindu festival of Onam is a major annual event for Malayali people in and outside the South Indian states.
Legends of Onam
There are various legends surrounding the ancient Hindu festival of Onam and its history dates back to the Sangam period, when the festival used to be celebrated for a month.
According tothe Vaishnava mythology, it is said that after coming to power the asura king Mahabali was known for his generosity.An alternate legend behind the festival relates to the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Parshurama, whose legends are attested in texts and epigraphs dating back to the 2nd century.
Celebration of Onam
The most part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onam Sadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a 9 course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes and is served on banana leaves
Across the state of Kerala, the festival of Onam starts off every year with a parade called Athachamayam at Thrippunithura near Kochi. These people wear new clothes and visit as much temples as they can and take part in lots of dance including 'Thumbi Tullal', 'Thiruvathirakali', 'Pulikhali tribal dance etc.
Another major attraction of the Onam festival is 'Vallamkali', which is a famous boat race. In the boat race, more than hundreds of men row the boats accompanied by the beating of cymbals and drums
Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers are all a part of the dynamic festival of Onam.Read More :- Onam, Festival of Kerala
