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Onam being one of the biggest festival of Kerala is a lot more than being just a festival. It falls in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August September.
Onam reflects the faith of the people of Kerala, a belief in their legendary past, religion, and power of worship. It shows the high spirit of the people. Children eagerly wait for the arrival of the carnival. It is also a time for homecoming for people staying away from the families.
Onam is also a harvest festival which is celebrated at a time when everything appears so nice and good. The beautiful landscape of Kerala can be seen in its full radiance at this time of the Malayalam New Year.
Turning the pages of the history we get the story of King Bali, the King was greatlyrespected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremelygenerous. It is said that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King Bali.
Everybody in his kingdom was very happy, there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. There was neither crime, nor corruption. People did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves in that kingdom. There was no poverty, sorrow or disease in the reign of King Bali and everybody was happy and content.
The King is so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily.
It is in honor of King Mahabali, affectionately called Onathappan, that Onam is celebrated.
A flower carpet called Pookalam' is laid in front of every house to welcome the advent of the vanquished king, and earthen mounds representing Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards.
One of the most marvelous facets of Onam is the unfolding of its rich and well-established culture. Special prayers are also said on Atham in a local temple. Hectic activities for the carnival begin in the state from this day onwards. The biggest and the most happening day in the carnival of Onam is Thiruvonam.
Festivities begin as early as 4.am. People clean up their house, take early bath, wear new clothes and perform elaborate prayers to seek divine blessings. A massive and most exquisite pookalam is prepared on this day to welcome the spirit of King Maveli.
Highpoint of the day is the enormous lunch called Onasadya. People of Kerala are extremely passionate about this.
Number of sports and games events are also organised on the day.
These are collectively called Onakalikal. Some of them are rigorous sports like Talappanthukali, Kutukutu and combats like Kayyankali and Attakalam.
Archery is also a part of Onakalikal. Senior members have their share of fun by playing indoor games like cards and chess. There is also a tradition of swinging on Onam. A decorated swing is swung on a high branch and young men and women take the pleasure on it while singing traditional songs.
And the other cause for celebrating Onam is because it is the time of the year when a good harvest has been gathered all over Kerala, resulting in plenitude and happiness. The celebrations for Onam are held for ten days, beginning with the atham asterism in the month of Chingam. It is believed that Onam brings happiness for a lifetime. Keralites are very much passionate about this festival.
The Crazy Creatives and the India Forums big family send their wishes, support, prayers and love to the victims of the massive floods in Kerala.
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