Thiruvathira Kali
Onappookalam
Ona Sadya
What is Onam?
Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala.
It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all
over the state by people of all communities. 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.
Onam is 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. Popularity and presentation of rich culture
of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala
in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games,
elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.
