Dawn Of Onam In Kerala

Onam is the important and harvest festival of Kerala that is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy. As most of us may be aware of the legend that the Onam festival is celebrated to welcome the King Mahabali as it is believed that his spirit is said to visit Kerala during Onam. Chingam is the first month of Malayalam Calendar and Onam in Kerala is celebrated during this month. During the days of Onam, the whole of Kerala is filled with flowers and colours. Kerala tourism gets boosted in this short period of time as the tourists can see the vibrancy of the state during this time.

Ten Days Of Onam

Rituals on Atham Day

Celebrations commence from the first day, Atham. This day is considered to be holy and auspicious by the people. They take an early bath and offer prayers in the temple. On this day girls or women of the house prepare Pookalam to welcome the spirit of King Mahabali. In the following days, more flowers are added to Pookalam and as a result, this flower courtyard turns out to be a massive size on the final day. Everybody remains busy as a part of preparations for the Onam. Swing is slung on a tree branch that is decorated with flowers. Children, youngsters take delight in swinging and singing. Onam in Kerala start across the state called Attachamayam on this day also the ritual of laying Pookalam starts on Atham day. The size of Pookalam will be very small and only yellow flowers will be used on the day.

Significance Of Chithira 

People use to clean their houses and also an additional layer is added to Pookalam.

On the third day - Chodhi

On the third day, other layers are added to Pookalam and its sizes increases. Family members go shopping.

Fourth day - Vishakam

This day is considered to be the most auspicious day of the Onam. Preparation of Ona sadya begins with each member of the family contributing something to it. The number of dishes varies

from family to family most of them make 26 delicacies.

Getting on to the fifth day - Anizham

To begin Aranmula Uthrrattathi Vallamkali, snake boats get ready for the race. This is the most important celebration of the day.

Significance Of  Thriketa - The 6th day 

On the 6th day, the Pookalam gets large with at least 5 to 6 flowers added to the original design. Family members visit their ancestral home and exchange gifts with their dear ones.

Moolam - The 7th day

This day is filled with festivities as families visit each other and smaller Ona sadya starts in many places. Many temples offer sadhya's from this day. Puli Kali, Kaikotti kali is also performed.

Stepping To  Pooradam - 8th Day

On this day statues of Mahabali and Vamana are taken around the house and is put at the centre of Pookalam. This is the day when Mahabali is invited to the houses of people. From this day the statue is called Onathappan. Pookalam will be much larger and complex.

Rituals on Utradam - Ninth day

Uthraadam is a day prior to Onam and on this day inhabitants of Tarawads give presents to the Eldest

member of the family. These presents are the products of their farms that consists of vegetables, plantains etc. This gift is known as Onakazhcha. As a reward for Onakazhcha, the sumptuous treat is offered by the eldest member.

Thiruvonam

On this day God's own Country - Kerala is at its cultural extravaganza that is filled with music, feasts, colours, joy etc. Onam in Kerala is a festival that is considered as a secular festival and is celebrated by people of all religions and communities.

Morning Rituals

On this big day people get up early in the morning and the house is cleaned. On the day of Thiruvonam conical figures in various forms are prepared from clay and is painted red. These figures are decorated with rice flour paste, water and are placed in the front courtyard or at important places in the house. The cone-shaped figure is placed is called Trikakara Appan. This is made based on a traditional mythology as the festival is originated at Trikakara. Prayers, poojas are performed on this day by the senior member of the house. Ata is prepared from rice flour and molasses for Nivedhyam. Lamps are lighted up in the front of idols and all members join for the ceremonies. After the rituals, the male members make loud and rhythmic shouts of joy and is known as Aarppu Vilikukal. Senior most member of the house offers ata, flowers and water in the names of God. 

After the rituals family members get ready for the grand meal - Onasadya. Biggest place is selected to lay the meal that is served in a row on a mat laid on the floor. central place in the row is occupied by the eldest member of the family. A lighted brass lamp is placed at a small distance. To the west of the lamp, food is served in a small plantain leaf and is offered in the name of Lord Ganapathy. After this, the meal is served to the whole family members. And the meal consists of 11 to 13 vegetarian dishes that are served on banana leaves. A lot of preparations goes while making the Onasadya.

Fun Time - Dances & Games

After the meal, it is the time to indulge in the recreational activities to enjoy the festival. Men of

strength and vigour get involved in rigorous sports, senior members pass time by playing indoor games. There are traditional games that are played on Onam and is known as Onakalikal that includes ball games, combats, Kutukutu etc.

Women get involved in dancing activities like Kaikottikali, Thumbi thullal for Onam festival. Other prominent programmes conducted are Vallamkali - Snake boat race, Kummatti Kali, Pulikali, Onappaatu. Thus hope you got an idea regarding the celebration of the festival Onam in Kerala.