Context: Recently, Onam, the significant harvest festival of Kerala, was celebrated with grandeur and devotion.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Onam.
About Onam
- Onam is a ten-day festival celebrated to honour the return of the legendary King Mahabali to Earth (once a year) to visit his people.
- The festival also signifies the end of the monsoon and the start of the harvest season.
Rituals and Celebrations:
- People worship King Mahabali and Lord Vamana and pray for the health and longevity of their close ones. On Thiruvonam (the last day of the festival), King Mahabali visits the earth.
- Onam is observed with a range of traditional dance performances such as:
- Thiruvathira Kali (Kaikottikali dance)
- Pulikali (tiger dance)
- Kathakali dance
- Onam Sadya (a platter of traditional local cuisine) is prepared and served to family members and guests.
- Pookalams (intricate flower designs) are made in households across the state. stunning Snake Boat Race, and unique Kaikottikali dance.
- On the Pamba River, the renowned Aranmula Vallamkali (snake boat race competition) is organised.