Kerala Celebrates Onam with Enthusiasm and Tradition

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 5 (PTI): People across Kerala celebrated Onam, the state's vibrant harvest festival, with great enthusiasm and color on Friday. The festival marked its culmination with Thiruvonam, as families dressed in traditional attire prepared lavish feasts and adorned their courtyards with colorful flower carpets.

Crowds thronged to temples from the small villages to bustling towns across the state in the morning. Children and youngsters engaged in creating 'pookkalam'—intricate floral designs crafted from vibrant petals.

Many communities set up tall swings or 'oonjal' in their yards, rekindling the playful essence of traditional Onam celebrations. Elders gifted 'onakkodi,' new clothes for the festival, while women prepared the grand 'sadya.' This sumptuous vegetarian feast, served on banana leaves, featured various pickles, curries, and the beloved dessert, payasam.

Local clubs and community groups organized traditional games like tug of war ('vadamvali') and 'uriyadi,' where participants attempt to break a clay pot. Additionally, classic art forms such as 'pulikali' (tiger dance), 'thiruvathira,' and 'theyyam' were performed, highlighting the cultural richness of the festival.

Onam's origin is rooted in the legend of King Mahabali, a mythical ruler celebrated for a golden era of fairness and harmony. As the story goes, Mahabali's popularity prompted the Devas to seek help from Lord Vishnu. Taking on a dwarf form, Vishnu sent the king to the netherworld.

However, Mahabali was granted a boon to visit his people once a year on Thiruvonam, the day Keralites honor him with grand celebrations.

Onam is also one of Kerala's busiest shopping seasons. In anticipation of the festival, markets remained bustling late into the night. Shoppers hurried to gather their preferred items, leading to packed malls and high streets on Thursday evening. Long lines were seen outside fair-price outlets run by the State Civil Supplies Corporation, Horticorp, and Consumerfed.

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