Onam is considered to be one of the most spectacular festivals of South
India. It is really difficult to capture the beauty and splendor of the
festival in writings. Once you go and see it with your own eyes it is
difficult to explain in words. It is the festival of the high-spirited
people of Kerala. People celebrate it with gaiety and fervor. It is
celebrated for a period of ten days, starting from the first day Atham
and continuing till tenth and the biggest day called Thiru Onam.
It is not that only people of south India celebrate this festival it is
the celebration time for all throughout the country. People from all
corners participate in the celebration. The spectacular festival
attracts thousands of tourists from across the country and globe. With
the passage of time this festival has gained immense popularity as it is
promoted by the Government of India for Tourism purpose. Onam is a
daytime festival. Shops and markets are spruced up and some shops are
even illuminated at night. Onam is the official festival of Kerala. In
fact Onam celebrated like a mini Republic Day in Kerala. The Tourism
Department of Kerala organizes the famous snake boat race. Scores of
people come to watch the parade and there is a feeling of festivity in
the air. The festival is celebrated for ten days with great enthusiasm.
The beginning of the festival is marked with floral carpets called
Pookalam. It is done on the first day. Girls mainly decorate them in
designs in front courtyards of their house. Boys help them out in doing
so. Special prayers are also said on Atham in a local temple. Hectic
activities for the carnival begin in the state from this day onwards.
The most important and happening day of the festival is the carnival
called Thiruvonam. Festivities begin as early as 4 am. People clean up
their house, take early bath, wear new clothes and perform elaborate
prayers to seek divine blessings. A massive and most exquisite pookalam
is prepared on this day to welcome the spirit of King Maveli. The most
exciting part of the festival is the grand lunch called Onasadya. People
of Kerala are extremely passionate about this. Anyhow they will prepare
this lunch even if they cannot easily afford. There are lots of
activities, which takes place all over the state on Onam. At Thrissur,
caparisoned elephants move out in a procession and present a regal view.
While at Cheruthuruthy, Kathakali artists cast a spell on the audience
with the magic of their performance. Women perform their graceful
traditional clap dance, Kaikotikalli on the day and enthrall the
audience. Vallamkali, the popular snake boat race is also organised in
several parts of the state to mark the day.
Number of sports and games events are also organised on the day. These
are collectively called Onakalikal. Some of them are rigorous sports
like Talappanthukali, Kutukutu and combats like Kayyankali and
Attakalam. Archery is also a part of Onakalikal. Senior members have
their share of fun by playing indoor games like cards and chess. There
is also a tradition of swinging on Onam. A decorated swing is swung on a
high branch and young men and women take the pleasure on it while
singing traditional songs.
