Indian festivals are events that hold cultural, religious, or social significance and are celebrated across regions and communities of India. These festivals are an integral part of Indian culture and reflect her rich heritage, traditions, and values. Indian festivals can be broadly categorised into religious, cultural, and seasonal festivals.
In the state of Kerala, Onam is observed between August and September every year. Kerala's Onam jubilee is celebrated by all demographic groups with excitement and grandeur. This is one of the main harvest festivals of Kerala. Onam has its roots in both traditional and traditional agricultural practices. Let us take a look at the beautiful Onam celebrations of Kerala.
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Significance Of Onam
As stated by the Malayalam calendar, Onam is observed at the start of Chingam, the first month of Kollavarsham. This is the time when Keralians gather their abundant produce. Throughout Kerala, Onam is celebrated with a variety of festivities and cultural events that are held in awe-inspiring splendour. The ten-day event infuses Keralans with the utmost holiday cheer.
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What Is The Story of Onam?
Onam has its roots in our mythologies. Hindu mythology portrays King Mahabali as a magnificent and kind-hearted king of Kerala. The kingdom expanded during his rule and became tranquil and rich. Everybody used to be content and adore their King. Lord Vishnu was dispatched by Devtas (heaven's gods) to put a stop to Mahabali's dominion over the planet. In the form of Vamana, Lord Vishnu approached Mahabali and requested three feet of land.
Mahabali was asked for a location to place His third step after Lord Vishnu requested him to measure all the worlds in two steps. Vamana was tasked with putting his foot on Mahabali's head. Mahabali's dominion was rewarded by Lord Vishnu, who gave him the mandate to govern until the end of the Kali Yuga and bestowed upon him the blessing of being permitted to travel to his realm once a year. Therefore, the Onam festival is celebrated each year as the day that their beloved king, Mahabali, returned to his realm (Kerala).
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Different Days of Onam
Antham, the first day of the celebration marks the beginning of Onam festivities. This day is associated with huge processions at Kochi and the Vamanamoorthy Thirrikara Temple. People begin making different layers of the floral Pookalam, which is made using fresh yellow petals. The base layer made on this day is known as Athapoo.
Chithira, or the second day of the grand Onam celebrations involves Malayali people visiting temples to seek blessings and adding two layers to the Pookalam with fresh flower petals in yellow and orange color.
Chodi is the third day of the Onam celebration. People buy jewellery and clothes on this day for their dear ones. Women generally purchase Kasavu saree, Men buy mundu, and boys like to buy Pattu Pavada. Additionally, another layer is added to the Pookalam as a mark of celebration.
Vishakam marks the fourth day of the Onam Celebration. On this day, families prepare various dishes as a celebration and stock up their homes with the season's first harvest.
Anizham is the fifth day of the 10-day-long Onam celebration. This day is celebrated with the famous ‘Snake Boat Race’ competition held on the Pamba River.
Thriketta is the sixth day of the celebration. Families visit their temples and ancestral houses to seek blessings. They also adorn the Pookalam with fresh blooms.
Moolam marks the seventh day of the celebration. It is from this day, Onasadya is offered in temples. Folk dances like Kaikottukali and Pulikali are performed to celebrate the festival.
Pooradam is the eighth day of the Onam festivities. On this day the Pookalam grows larger with the fresh blooms added. Clay statues of Vamana ana Mahabali are placed in the centre of the blooming Pookalam to start the Pooradam ritual.
Uthradom, or the ninth day of the Onam celebration involves elaborate celebrations. A variety of dishes are prepared with the first harvest of fruits and vegetables. This day is also known as the First Onam.
Thiruvonam or the tenth day of the Onam celebration is highly auspicious as it marks the end of the Onam Festival. People adorn their houses with intricate paintings using batter prepared from rice flour to receive King Mahabali. Families the Onam feast by preparing and having the Onasandya.
This Onam, celebrate all the rituals with iTokri. At iTokri you can buy all the requirements that are needed to complete the rituals for Onam like white sarees, brass diyas, puja thalis, incense sticks, and more.
Conclusion
In India, Keralians celebrate Onam with great zeal and enthusiasm. Onam shows the importance of unity, love, and togetherness. Relatives from near and afar come together to strengthen connections and foster a feeling of belonging. It's a time when houses are filled with laughter, warmth, and cultural satisfaction, reminding everyone of the significance of family ties amidst the joyous celebrations of Onam.
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