On the occasion of Onam festival, PM Modi wished the people of Kerala and expressed hope that Kerala will soon overcome the advertises in the aftermath of the floods.
About:
Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala.
Time and Duration:
It is a harvest festival, celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar.
Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all.
Background: According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
Celebrations:
Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.
The most impressive part is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine-course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes.
Another key feature is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa.
There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam.
Women indulge in cultural activities.
They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King Mahabali.
Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam.
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