Onam is the state festival of Kerala. It is celebrated in honour of Mahabali, the mythical Asura king of ancient Kerala. Malayalees believe that on Onam day Bali visits his subjects. This harvest festival falls in August / September. Kerala Government officially declared Onam as State Festival in 1961. Onam is now celebrated by everyone in the region irrespective of any caste or relegion. Onam has become a secular festival of India and can be classified as a celebration after the harvesting season.
Onam has been part of Malayalees psyche for centuries. There are records of Onam being celebrated during the Sangam Age. The earliest record of the festival is found during the reign of Kulasekhara Perumals around AD 800.
Onam has two specific significances. First it is the memory of community at large and celebration of past history as enunciated in the Mahabali legend – a story of how paradise was lost. Second it is the celebration of the harvest, tied with the memory of the golden age of prosperity. It is believed that during those days the whole of Chingam was celebrated as Onam season. After the rain-drenched month of Karkidakam, with its privations, Chingam is a welcome month for people in the state of Kerala. The festival is the harbinger of spring — signalling the start of the harvest season. Onam epitomises the newfound vigour and enthusiasm of the season, and is celebrated with traditional fervour with folk games, family get-togethers, gifting of clothes called Onakkodi and lots of merrymaking. Thiruvathira kali is a dance form performed also at the time of onam. Onam is celebrated with flower, and sadya (Kerala vegetarian feast).The flowers are decoratively arranged on the floor and clay models of the family of Mahabali are placed in the middle to welcome Mahabili.
The Colours of Onam !
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