Kerala prepares for grand Onam celebrations post-covid hiatus

Monday, August 22, 2022

After observing Onam quietly for two years due to the pandemic, Kerala Tourism is all set to bring back the colourful celebrations with carnivals, arts and artforms, and a showcase of the rich and ancient customs connected with the festival.

Onam is a well-known harvest festival that honours the reappearance of the fabled demon King Mahabali. The celebration of the ten joyous days is so significant to God’s own land that it is remarkably observed across the nation, and even worldwide. Images of yellow and orange gendas (flowers), gently lit diyas (candles), and the delectable Onam Sadhya flood your mind when you think of Onam. 

The Responsible Tourism Mission is giving tourists the chance to take part in Onam celebrations in villages, according to Sri Rupesh Kumar, Coordinator of the Responsible Tourism Mission, Government of Kerala. He invites tourists and anyone who would like to observe and take part in the festivities. Onam Sadya can also be celebrated at neighbourhood homes. In Thiruvananthapuram, the Onam procession will be continued as part of a grand celebration, and the champions boat league will be revealed by the honourable tourism minister, Mr. P.A. Muhammad Riaz.

Immerse yourself in a riot of colours!

The first day is the building of Pookalam on Atham, depicting how large-than-life Onam’s old customs can be in every Keralan street and neighbourhood. Days of the festival infuses the atmosphere with its contagious enthusiasm, a riot of colours, Pookamal face-offs, dances, regional theatre, and music.

The ancient tiger dance performed during the Puli Kali dances, on the fourth day, is a photographer’s delight. Day five’s 400-year-old customary snake boat racing has long staked a spot on the global map of unique picture ops and cultural celebrations! Then, on Day 6, the day of Carnival, one of many cultural gatherings featuring the performance and visual arts from all facets of Kerala’s social, cultural, and political life.

Culminating in exchanges of produce from the farms and gifts, and the Onam Sadhya, a culinary gala featuring over 25 traditional dishes seals the festivities with wishes for a new cycle of a harvest.

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