Onam is the harvest pageant of Kerala and is widely known with gaiety and fervor. Following three months of heavy rain, the sky turns into a transparent blue; brooks and streams come alive; lotuses and lilies are in full bloom and it’s the time to have fun and revel in. Onam is widely known unitedly all through Kerala with out the distinction of caste and faith. All sects of communities take an lively half within the celebrations and secular spirit is seen in the course of the Onam celebration. Not solely in Kerala, Malayalees residing in all components of the world have fun Onam with full ardour and enthusiasm.
Onam, probably the most distinguished fiesta of Kerala is widely known to start with of the month of Chingam, the primary month of Malayalam calendar. It falls in August to September of Gregorian calendar and in Hindi month Bhadrapada. Throughout Onam, God’s personal nation takes a whole new look in a very conventional method.
Carnival of Onam lasts for 10 days. First day, Atham, is marked by intricate floral carpets, pookalam which is among the most vital and in style components of Onam celebrations. It’s a dramatic ornament product of flowers that’s displayed within the entrance courtyard of the home. The design turns into extra intricate and detailed as extra flowers of various colours are added to this pookalam on every passing day.
Thiruvonam is probably the most auspicious day within the carnival of Onam. Elaborate prayers are carried out. Most beautiful pookalam is ready to welcome the spirit of King Mahabali again into their lives.
Through the ten days of carnival, Kerala’s wealthy cultural heritage comes out in its finest kind. All around the state, numerous actions happen. Pulikali performers paint themselves within the guise of a tiger whereas Kummattikali artists don an apparel of plaited grass and a giant picket masks to entertain folks.
Vallamkali is one other enchanting function of Onam. It’s a colourful snake boat race held on the river Pampa. Tons of of boatmen oared fantastically adorned boats amidst chanting of songs and cheering of spectators.
Caparisoned elephants shifting out in a procession presenting a regal view is the charming function at Thrissur. Cheruthuruthy, Kathakali artists make viewers spellbound with their magical efficiency. Kaikotikalli, swish dance carried out by girls is one other enthralling occasion. That provides zest to the celebrations.
The sports activities and video games occasions are often called Onakalikal. Many rigorous sports activities like Talappanthukali, Kutukutu, Kayyankali Attakalam and Archery are a part of Onakalikal. Swinging on a adorned swing that swings on a excessive department is one other conventional scene.
A time to feast
One of the necessary issues with out which any pageant appears to be vacuumed is the particular dish made on the pageant. It’s all the time a lip smacking time. Malayalis are meals lovers and Onam delicacies embrace extraordinarily luscious Payasams, Uniyappam, Elayada, Achappam, Banana Halwa (Nenthra Pazham Haluva), Sarkkara Varatti.
Probably the most spectacular a part of Onam celebration is the grand feast Onasadya. Keralites are extraordinarily obsessed with this monumental lunch. No matter could occur, they received’t miss this grand lunch. This has led to saying in Malayalam, ” Kanam Vittu Onam Unnanam”. It implies that one ought to have the Thiruvonam lunch even when he has to promote all his properties.
Onasadya is a 9 course meal that comprises 11 to 13 important dishes. It’s served on a banana leaf and folks sitting on a mat laid on the ground have the meal.
The serving of the delicacies is carried out in a particular method. Umpteen numbers of mouthwatering dishes are served. The serving begins from the left with ‘Upperies’ (deep-fried dishes). Lip smacking Onam delicacies embrace desserts, payasams or ‘pradhamans’, Thoran (Cabbage Thoran, Carrot Thoran), Aviyal, Pachadi, Erisseri, Olan, Pavakka Theeyal, Inji Curry, Kaalan, Pickles (Mango Pickle, Nellikka Pickle), Koottu Curry, Mor kuzhambu and Banana Chips. Plantain fruits additionally function part of the meal.
Onam is a superb carnival that brings collectively folks of various areas collectively to have fun the wealthy cultural heritage of Kerala. Rejoice Onam with utmost pomp and gaiety.
