The celebrations started on August 20…
The celebrations for the festival, a 10-day-long harvest festival, will end on Tuesday (August 29).
It is a time of cultural festivities, and community bonding brings people all together.
The festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm in the southern state of Kerala.
Men and women get ready in Kerala dress, and celebrate by preparing intricately designed flower patterns (rangoli) and a large sadya (feast). Each of the 10 days of Onam holds special significance for the people of Kerala.
The celebrations started on August 20 with Atham, the first day, and will conclude on Tuesday with Thiruvonam. Today, the penultimate day is celebrated as Uthradam.
On this special day, people welcome the spirit of King Mahabali, a righteous ruler of the golden era who is known as "Sukrutha Yuga".
In some parts of Kerala, Onam starts on the Uthradam day. On this day, the farmers bring the whole produce of their large and small farm of the Nair household. These gifts are called Onakazhcha.
The eldest member of the family greets them and in return, treats them with sweets.
The other celebratory days are Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam and Pooradam.
Onam is incomplete without traditional folk performances such as the Kathakali dance, Pulikali (tiger dance), and Thiruvathira Kali.
These dance forms show the cultural richness of Kerala and captivate audiences with their vibrant costumes, intricate makeup, and energetic performances.
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