ONAM HARVEST FESTIVAL IN INDIA

 ONAM HARVEST FESTIVAL IN INDIA  :- 

• Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala.

Time and Duration:- 

• It is a harvest festival, celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). 

• This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar.

• Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all.

Background:-

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• According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.

Celebrations:- 

• Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.

• The most impressive part is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam.

• It is a nine-course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes.

• Another key feature is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa.

• There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. 

• Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam.

• Women indulge in cultural activities.

 • They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King Mahabali.

• Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam.

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