Onam Festival Essay for Students

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 2024, the Thiruvonam celebration will be on 15th September 2024. 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.