Onam is the National Festival of Kerala

India comes as a land of fairs & festivals connecting to local traditions and culture. Festivals in South India are full of colours. Kerala, a rich cultural state in South India is an absolute aspect of the spirit of celebration. Festivals of Kerala mean high-spiritedness, mouth-watering food and a variety of prayers and rituals. The magnitude of festivities in Kerala elevates the Indian culture.

Onam festival in Kerala emerges out one of the most popular festivals of Kerala, portraying the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Affluent customs, traditions and inspired past period come on display during the festival. The festive tone of impressive celebrations draws travellers from all over the world. Onam festival Kerala starts from the first day Atham and goes on for ten days till the final day called Thiru Onam.

This ten day celebration involves to singing, dancing, feasting and ceremonial occasion. All Malayalees and irrespective of their religion celebrate Onam with lots of fervour and playfulness.

Historyr
According to the legends, Onam comes celebrated to mark the homecoming of Mahabali, the king who ruled over Kerala in the age of plenitude. He was pushed down to the Patala by Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana. The image of Vamana is established in every Hindu home during the Onam festival in Kerala.

Onam Festival Attractions

Snake Boat Racer
This is the most newsworthy activity held during the festival. Snake Boat Race is peculiarly eminent in Southern part of Kerala. The shade of the boats used for this race has snake design. Hence the race is named as snake boat race. Snake boat race is held at the Aranmulla, the most popular region for Snake Boat Race.

Decorated Elephant Parader
This is the procession of decorated elephant and is another spectacular event during Onam festival. People decorate to elephant with golden plates and ornaments. Then they walk along the street with the ado
ed elephant. Also they add song & dance performances to present it even more festive and fun-filled.

Onam Pookalamr
This appears out the most popular and momentous part of Onam celebration. Pookalam is an intricate flower arrangement wherein assortment of flowers is in use. They commonly lay their pookalams in the front part of their home. This means to welcome the spirit of King Mahabali.

Onasadyar
Onasadya is another fascinating part of this festival. People in Kerala set up impressive feast during the Thiruvonam. This exists of different delectable recipes. There come just about 13 different vegetable curries and dessert included in the dinner party. In setting an onasadya, foods are placed in a certain order.