The state festival of Kerala - Onam - is celebrated with zeal by the Malayalees
in the state as well as in different parts of the world. Marked with fun and
fervor, the celebrations of the festival comprise of a wonderful spectrum of
rituals and traditions followed by the people. The most important day of the
festival is Thiruvonam (the tenth day of Onam), which is eagerly awaited by the
people. Until some time back, the festival was only a private affair, a kind of
family reunion. Today, it has taken the shape of a community function. Apart
from the natives of Kerala, innumerable Malayalee Associations across India as
well as abroad have taken the festival as the wonderful opportunity to
rejuvenate the social ties, by organizing cultural programs during the festive
season. Know more about the celebrations of Onam, by going through the following
lines.
Onam Festival Celebrations
Pookkalam
Attam marks the beginning of Onam. From the very first day, people put pookkalam
(floral rangoli) at their entranceway, using a number of flowers. It is a
tradition and a part of the celebrations of Onam festival. In the Malayalee
committees, pookkalam competitions are held. Various designs, both simple and
intricate are made using flowers like marigold, roses, jasmine, etc. Small
children take pleasure in gathering flowers from their premises. Apart from the
use of flowers, people make use of colors to decorate their Pookkalam. Hectic
preparations for the ten-day carnival start from Attam.
Dances Performances
Kaikotti kali (also known as Thiruvathira kali) is the main dance of Onam. This
is the traditional dance, truly native to Kerala. Kaikotti kali is performed by
middle-aged women, who stand around deepam (traditional Kerala deep). The women
are clad in set saree (traditional Kerala dress) and accessorized with gold
jewelry. Eight to twelve women can perform the dance. Another dance form that is
performed during the season is known as 'Pulikali' or 'Kaduvakali'. In this
dance, performers (mostly men) paint themselves like tigers in bright yellow,
red and black colors and dance ferociously to the accompaniment of musical
instruments such as 'udukku' and 'thakil'.
Playing Games
Onam is incomplete without games in it. The outdoor games such as 'Talappanthukali'
(ball game), 'Kayyankali' (one-to-one fight between men, without using weapon),
'Attakalam' (fight between men, played in groups) Ambeyyal (Archery) and 'Kutu
Kutu' (Kabaddi) are the popular Onam games, played with great enthusiasm and
high level of energy, during the festive season of Onam. In some parts of Kerala,
'Kummattikali' is played by artists (typically men), wherein they clad
themselves with the attire made by using plaited grass and wear a big wooden
mask.
Feasting
Onam feast forms a prominent part of the celebration of the festival.
Irrespective of the caste and religion, all the Malayalees feast on Thiruvonam.
A number of lip-snacking dishes are prepared by people. Usually, a vegetarian
meal is prepared, but non-veg items also form a part of the feast, in some parts
of the state. Melt-in-the mouth payasams are made for the feast. It is believed
that every Malayali should eat the Onam feast on the festival, even if he/she
has to sell all the possessions.
Boat Race
Vallamkali or the popular snake boat race is a sporting event, organized at
several parts of the state on uthratadhi nakshatram of Chingam (Malayalam
month). Oarsmen take part enthusiastically in the Vallamkali. It is something is
especially popular in the southern districts of Kerala. Apart from Onam, the
vallamkali is organized annually at Aaranmula River situated in Pathanamthitta
District of Kerala.
Shopping
Last, but not the least - Onam calls for shopping of clothes and furbishes for
the home. It is a part of the tradition of Onam, to wear new clothes and buy
attire for the family and friends. Apart from clothing, people enjoy shopping
for new furniture. During the festive season, season sales outlets open up (such
as Government-owned chain of Maveli stores - fair price shops), which provide
myriad items at economical rates. |
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