the-indian-way: Onam is the biggest festival celebrated in Kerala, India. It falls during the M
the-indian-way: Onam is the biggest festival celebrated in Kerala, India. It falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug - Sep), and commemorates through 10 days of festivities the home-coming of the mythical King Mahabali. Mahabali (locally known as Maveli) has been revered by the people of Kerala, the King being so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily. Activities begin early in the morning. People clean their houses, apply rice flour batter on the main entrance (a traditional welcome sign), take an early bath, wear new clothes and distribute alms to the needy. The pookkalam (flower carpet) is prepared to welcome Mahabali. The afternoon is marked with various traditional Onam games and dances. Most cities in Kerala are lit up with fabulous displays of fireworks, sumptuous Onam Sadya feasts are prepared. Special prayers and Masses are organized in temples, churches and mosques, that highlight the secular nature of festival. Normally, the largest chunk of Onam celebrations end by Thiruvonam (the tenth day) however, the two days following Thiruvonam are also celebrated as the Third and Fourth Onam. The third Onam, called Avvittom, marks the preparations for King Mahabali’s return ascension to heavens. The main ritual of the day is to take the Onathappan statue, which was placed in the middle of every pookkalam during the past 10 days, and immerse it in nearby rivers or sea. The day is also important, as the famous Pulikali is held. Men dressed as lions, tigers and leopards, parade through the city in large numbers. The Pulikali marks the end of traditional Onam celebrations. -- source link