Onam, a major joyous festival of Kerala. Well, since in Kuwait also we are getting a chance to celebrate Onam, I would say that Onam is celebrated by all malayalis and keralites. Onam festival starts from Atham Nakshatra in the month of Lion and is celebrated with great importance on Thiruvonam day and continues till Chatayam day. Each day has its own significance, with different rituals and activities. Ninth day Uthradam is also an extremely important day, where families prepare for the grand feast.
At the core of Onam lies the myth of King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler who brought immense prosperity to Kerala. It is said that Kerala witnessed its Golden Era during his rule. It is believed that King Mahabali visits Kerala to see his citizens on this auspicious day.
In 2019, when I went to India, I got an opportunity to celebrate Onam with my family. So, I was able to celebrate Onam in Kerala and it was the best Onam in my life. Everyday morning, in front of my grandfather's house street , neighbors came and put pookalam in various patterns. It was so exciting to see how they were putting pookalam with a variety of flowers in various patterns.
My little brother and sister and I used to swing at home. We also ate the feast served on a banana leaf called Onasadya. My grandmother also made banana chips, different types of payasam and more. I always wish to celebrate Onam again in India. Even though I can't celebrate Onam in India, we can still celebrate Onam in Kuwait. Onam Celebrations in Kuwait:
Keralites in Kuwait often organize community ( Eg: Lulu ) Pookalam competitions, showcasing their artistic skills and cultural pride.
Keralite restaurants and community centers ( Eg: Lulu, Grand, etc ) in Kuwait often host Sadya feasts during the festival.
Various community organizations and associations organize events, such as picnics, get-togethers, and cultural exchanges, to celebrate the festival.
Therefore, being away from Kerala during Onam does not bring down the excitement one bit less.
I actually forgot to mention all the cultural highlights of Onam in India.
Pookalam: The flower carpet which is made up of fresh flowers in various patterns, it is said that when our grandparents were young they went out to pick flowers to make the pookalam.
Onasadya: A grand feast consisting of a variety of dishes served on a banana leaf is another highlight. Onasadya includes dishes like avial, rasam, thoran, eriserry, pachadi, sambar, payasam, and more.
Vallamkali (Boat Race): The snake boat race held on the backwaters of Kerala is an exhilarating part of Onam celebrations. Hundreds of rowers compete in long boats, cheered on by spectators, creating an atmosphere of excitement. I always wanted to watch this but only once in my life I saw this exciting race.
Pulikali: A Fiery Dance of Tigers
Pulikali performances typically take place during the Onam festival, a harvest celebration in Kerala.They then engage in a series of energetic dance moves, leaping, twisting, and turning to mimic the movements of a tiger. The performance is accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Other main activities during onam are Vadam Vali (Tug of war), Thiruvathirakali, and Kathakali.
Onam is not just a festival of celebration; it also holds significant cultural importance. It is a time for families to come together, strengthen bonds, and remember their traditions. As Kerala comes alive with the colors and spirit of Onam each year, the festival continues to be a timeless symbol of cultural pride and communal harmony.
This is a small malayalam song or quote based on Onam
Kalaminiyumurulum Vishu, Varumvarsham Varum , Thiruvonam Varumpinneyoro, Thalirilum Poo Varum Kai Varum, Appozharennumenthennum Aarkariyam So Enjoy This Onam
HAPPY ONAM