Onam

Onam is the largest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. It falls during the first month of the Malayalam calendar which is Chingam (August–September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King Maveli. The festival lasts for ten days and is linked to many elements of Kerala’s culture and tradition. Intricate flower carpets, elaborate banquet lunch, snake boat races, Puli Kali, and the kaikottikkali dance all play a part in the festival.

Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in the Modern times. Kerala’s rice harvest festival and the festival of rain flowers which fell on the Malayalam month of Chingam celebrated the annual visit from pathalam of the very noble Demon King Maveli. Onam is unique since king Maveli is revered by people of Kerala from prehistory.

flower rangoli part of onam celebrations

onam celebrations in kerala

`Onapottan' - a folk character seen during Onam season specially in North Malabar Region. With the face painted and crown ( Kireedam ) he has a bell in his hand and an umbrella made of Palm Leaves on the other.

traditional oil lamp lightned during onam

snake boat race in kearala | Chundan Vallam race

chenda performance during onam

traditional kearala food served in banana leaf during onam

kerala traditional dance durin onam

pulkali parade during onam in kerala

Pulikkali an art form associated aith the onam festival in kerala..These men painted as tigers would dance and the best perfomer would be selected out of hundreds ...