New Delhi: Onam ia a famous harvest festival which celebrates the return of the legendary demon King Mahabali. The 10 cheerful days are a festival so special and dear to God’s own land that it is remarkably celebrated throughout the nation, outside of Kerala, and even abroad.
When you think of Onam, images of yellow and orange gendas (flowers), softly lighted diyas (candles), and the mouthwatering Onam Sadhya overwhelm your senses. Every traveller should include experiencing authentic Onam in person on their bucket list .
Kerala Tourism is set to reintroduce the lively celebrations to the streets and homes of Kerala with carnivals, arts and artforms, and a demonstration of the rich and old customs linked with the festival after keeping Onam low-key for two years due to the pandemic.
Inviting tourists and those who would like to witness and partake in the celebrations, Rupesh Kumar, Responsible Tourism Mission Coordinator, Government of Kerala says, “The Responsible Tourism Mission is providing an opportunity for tourists to be a part of Onam celebrations in villages too. There is also an opportunity to have Onam Sadya in the local homes. Kerala Tourism is organising a wide range of Onam celebration programmes in all the district centres. Onam procession will be resumed as a grand celebration in Thiruvananthapuram and the champions boat league was announced by Tourism Minister P.A. Muhammad Riaz.”
Larger than life, Onam’s ancient traditions reflect in every street and corner of Kerala beginning with the creation of Pookalam on Atham, the first day. Each passing day fills the air with brimming enthusiasm, a riot of colours, Pookamal face-offs, dances, local dramas and music. Puli kali dances where people paint their bodies in yellow and white stripes and perform the ancient tiger dance on the fourth day of Onam is a photographer’s delight and joy to watch. The 400-year old traditional snake boat race that marks day five has long claimed a space on the world map of exotic photo-ops and culture fest! Then comes the day of Carnival on Day 6, of many cultural gatherings of creative and performing arts from across the social, cultural and political fabric of Kerala.
(IANS)
