Why Onam Is Kerala’s Biggest Festival: Customs, Legends & Celebrations
Table of Content
The Onam festival celebration is famous in Kerala. During this time, Kerala is known for its happiness, excitement, and enjoyment among all the communities. It is an outcome of mythological reasons as well as old farming practices. The harvest festival of Kerala, also known as the festival of rain flowers, is a ten-day-long festival celebrated with enthusiasm. It is in the month of Chingam as per the Malayalam calendar, usually starting in mid-August and lasting until mid-September.
In 2025, the Thiruvonam celebration will be on 5th September 2025. In honour of King Mahabali, who visits Kerala at the time of Onam, the festival celebration takes place. During this time, Kerala opens up with an entirely new world of exotic taste, exquisite fragrances, and an enchanting display of beauty for tourists. The festivities and celebrations at the festival lighten up the souls of individuals and make their bodies dance with exciting beats of music.
It is a harvest festival, and celebrations in Kerala include Sadhya, Thiruvathira Kali, Pookalam, Ona-thallus, Pulikali, Onavillu, and welcome songs for King Mahabali. The ten days of the festival represent a remarkable display of the culture and beauty of Kerala.
The key highlights of the festival include the beautiful Pookalam designs, delicious Onasadya feast, exciting snake-boat races, and lively folk dances.
Onam Celebrations in Kerala
The celebrations have a traditional touch to all the festivity and rituals. Here are some of the essential features of the festival:
Onam Pookalam
Flower beds and floral decorations are known as Pookalam. It is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about the legend of Mahabali and Onam. The traditional Pookalam consists of ten rings which indicate the ten-day rituals performed during Onam starting from Atham and ending on Thiruonam in the month of Chingam.
It stands as a sign of secularism. It symbolises the spirit of unity and teamwork as all the members of the family together complete it. Different kinds of beautiful flowers are used to complete the intricate design of Pookalam. The design starts on the day of Atham and ends on Thiruvonam, signifying the good old days during King Mahabali’s reign.
Onasadhya
The harvest festival of Kerala is celebrated with a colourful feast served on a banana leaf featuring over 25 dishes called “Onam Sadhya.” Onasadhya is a famous traditional meal of Kerala and is served on a banana leaf on the last day of the festival, Thiruonam. It means Onam food feast, which is a symbol of prosperity that existed during the rule of Mahabali. The people of Kerala try to ensure that their King Mahabali sees them with the grandest meal on this auspicious day. All the people across all regions in Kerala prepare grand Onasadhya on this day.
The traditional food is served on a big, properly washed, green banana leaf with a Pappad on the left. Sarkaravaratti, banana wafers, salt, and fries are served on the right side of the pappad, next to which lies the ginger lime and mango pickles. Vegetarian items like pavakka, ullikitchadi, and kitchadi are placed next. Thoran is served after these items, and after the meal payasam is served as a dessert.
Snake Boat Races
Another important and prominent festivity is the ‘Snake Boat Race’ held in ‘Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.’ The famous harvest festival of Kerala is celebrated in the month of Chingam, which is in August and September. It is the best time to visit Kerala and experience the traditions of the state. Kerala is full of magnificence during Onam. One can also enjoy the exotic taste of Onasadhya, participate in decorating Pookalam, and witness the true beauty of Kerala during this festival.
Pulikali
Similar to any other traditional and cultural event, this also includes a lot of dancing and singing associated with Onam celebrations. Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali, is a beautiful folk art that is skillfully performed by well-trained dancers to amuse and entertain the people at the festival. The artists dance excitedly and perform the hunting moves with the beat of the musical instruments.
In Malayali, Pulikali means ‘play of the tigers.’ On the fourth day of Onam, known as Nalaam Onam, performers paint themselves as hunters and tigers with yellow, black, and red paints and dance to the sound of thrilling music like Thakil and Udukku. The theme of the performance is based on ‘tiger hunting.’
The dance is famous in the ‘Thrissur District’ of Kerala. The best place to witness the dance is ‘Swaraj Round,’ where Pulikali performing groups from the entire district gather to perform folk art. This humongous festival attracts a lot of attention from around the world during this season.
Conclusion
Onam, the harvest festival of the state of Kerala, is famous for its culture and tradition. It attracts a lot of tourist attention during this period from across the world. The ten-day festival is famous for different cultural activities, including the Pookalam, Onasdhya, Pulikali, and the snake boat race. The traditional art forms attract people, and through these cultural festivities, the story of King Mahabali is narrated to the audience. The ten-day period is significant for the Malyali community not only in Kerala but all across the world.
Onam Essay In English 150 Words
Onam is a vibrant festival celebrated in Kerala, India, marking the harvest season and the return of the legendary King Mahabali. The festival lasts for ten days, usually in August or September. During Onam, the community comes together to enjoy various traditional activities.
One of the highlights of Onam is the Pookalam, a beautiful arrangement of flowers placed on the ground. This colourful decoration adds a festive touch to homes and public spaces. Another key feature is the Onasadya, a grand feast served on banana leaves, offering a variety of traditional dishes.
The snake-boat races, or Vallamkali, are a thrilling part of the celebrations, where teams compete in long, decorated boats on Kerala’s backwaters. Folk dances like Thiruvathira and Kaikottikali are also performed, bringing joy and cultural richness to the festival. Onam is a time of unity, happiness, and cultural pride.
Essay on Onam 300 Words
Onam is a major festival celebrated in Kerala, India, known for its rich traditions and vibrant celebrations. This ten-day festival usually takes place in August or September, according to the Malayalam calendar. It marks the harvest season and is a time for joy and unity among people.
One of the most striking features of Onam is the Pookalam, a colourful floral design made on the ground in front of homes. People use a variety of flowers to create intricate patterns, adding beauty and a festive spirit to their surroundings. Another important part of Onam is the Onasadya, a grand feast that includes a variety of traditional dishes served on banana leaves. This meal is a highlight of the festival, bringing families and friends together to enjoy delicious food.
The snake-boat races, known as Vallamkali, are another exciting aspect of Onam. These races are held on the backwaters of Kerala and involve teams of rowers competing in long, decorated boats. The event draws large crowds and is a showcase of teamwork and skill.
Folk dances, such as Thiruvathira and Kaikottikali, are also central to the celebrations. These dances are performed in traditional attire and add a lively and cultural touch to the festival. People come together to dance and sing, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Onam is not just about celebrations; it is also a time to remember the legend of King Mahabali, whose spirit is believed to visit Kerala during the festival. Overall, Onam is a time of happiness, togetherness, and cultural pride, making it a cherished festival for everyone in Kerala.
10 Lines About Onam
Onam is a major festival celebrated in Kerala, India, marking the harvest season.
The festival lasts for ten days, usually in August or September.
Onam celebrates the return of the legendary King Mahabali, who is believed to have visited Kerala during this time.
One of the highlights of Onam is the creation of Pookalam, intricate floral designs made on the ground.
Onasadya, a grand feast served on banana leaves, is a central part of the celebrations, featuring a variety of traditional dishes.
The festival includes exciting snake-boat races, known as Vallamkali, held on Kerala’s backwaters.
Folk dances such as Thiruvathira and Kaikottikali are performed, adding cultural vibrancy to the festivities.
Onam is a time for family gatherings, communal meals, and festive activities.
The festival reflects the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Kerala.
Onam is celebrated with joy and unity, bringing together people of all communities.
Conclusion
Onam is a joyful festival celebrated in Kerala, bringing people together with its vibrant traditions. It features beautiful flower designs called Pookalam, a grand feast called Onasadya, and exciting snake-boat races. Onam also honours the legendary King Mahabali and marks the harvest season. Through folk dances and community activities, the festival promotes unity and cultural pride, making it a special time for everyone in Kerala.
FAQs on Onam Festival Essay: Meaning, History & Traditions Explained
1. What does 'Onam Ashamsakal' mean?
'Onam Ashamsakal' is the traditional Malayalam greeting used during the festival, which simply means "Happy Onam" or "Onam wishes." It is a way for people to share their joy and good wishes with each other during the celebrations.
2. What is the historical story behind the Onam festival?
The history of Onam is based on the legend of the benevolent Asura King Mahabali, who ruled over Kerala. His reign was a golden era of prosperity and equality. The gods grew envious of his popularity and sent Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar (a dwarf) to test him. Vamana asked for three paces of land, and with his first two steps, he covered the heavens and the earth. For the third step, King Mahabali humbly offered his head. Impressed, Vishnu granted him a boon to visit his beloved kingdom and people once every year, which is celebrated as Onam.
3. What are the main traditions and rituals observed during the ten days of Onam?
Onam is a ten-day festival with each day having its own significance. The main traditions include:
- Athachamayam: A grand procession that marks the beginning of the festival.
- Pookalam: Creating intricate floral carpets in front of homes to welcome King Mahabali.
- Onasadya: A grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf with numerous dishes.
- Vallamkali: The famous snake boat races that showcase teamwork and cultural pride.
- Thiruvathira Kali: A traditional dance performed by women in a circle.
4. What is an 'Onasadya' and what makes it special?
The Onasadya is the grand, multi-course vegetarian feast that is the centrepiece of the Onam celebration. It is special because it is traditionally served on a banana leaf and can feature over 26 different dishes, showcasing the rich flavours of Keralan cuisine. The feast symbolises the prosperity and abundance of King Mahabali's reign and is enjoyed by families and communities together.
5. Which state in India is Onam primarily associated with, and why?
Onam is primarily associated with the state of Kerala in Southern India. This is because the festival is deeply rooted in the region's culture and mythology, celebrating the annual homecoming of King Mahabali, who is believed to have ruled over Kerala. It is the official state festival and is celebrated with immense fervour by all communities, reflecting the cultural identity and unity of the Malayali people.
6. Why is King Mahabali, an Asura, revered during Onam instead of a Deva (God)?
King Mahabali is revered during Onam because he represents a just, prosperous, and egalitarian ruler whose primary concern was the welfare of his people. His reign is considered a golden age. The festival celebrates his spirit of sacrifice, humility, and righteousness, rather than his lineage as an Asura. His annual return is a celebration of good governance and the nostalgia for a time of perfect harmony, making him the central figure of the festival.
7. How is Onam different from other harvest festivals in India, like Baisakhi or Pongal?
While Onam is a harvest festival like Baisakhi and Pongal, it is unique due to its strong connection to a mythological legend. Unlike other harvest festivals that primarily thank nature for a bountiful crop, Onam's core is the celebration of the homecoming of King Mahabali. This narrative element gives Onam a distinct character with specific traditions like the Pookalam to welcome him and the Onasadya feast in his honour.
8. What is the significance of the 'Pookalam' in Onam celebrations?
The Pookalam, an intricate carpet made of fresh flowers, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. It is laid at the entrance of homes to welcome King Mahabali. Each day of the ten-day festival, a new layer of flowers is added, making the Pookalam grow in size. It symbolises purity, auspiciousness, and the vibrant colours of nature. The circular shape represents the cycle of life and creation, and the collective effort to create it fosters community spirit.
9. What do the Vallamkali (snake boat races) symbolise during the Onam festival?
The Vallamkali, or snake boat races, are more than just a sporting event; they are a powerful symbol of community spirit and unity. These long, snake-like boats, carrying dozens of oarsmen rowing in perfect unison, represent how a community can achieve great things when working together. The races are a vibrant display of Keralan martial tradition and history, originally used during ancient naval warfare, and now channelled into a festive, competitive celebration of collective strength.
