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Dive into the heart of Kerala, India's southernmost state, to indulge in the rich and vibrant festivities of Onam on September 5. This colorful feast of gratitude is a joyous celebration of harvest and homecoming that harkens back thousands of years. Originating from the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the Emperor Mahabali, Onam promises an exhilarating display of culture, tradition, and mouth-watering cuisine. Experience mesmerizing boat races, compelling folk tales, and divine delicacies that tantalize your taste buds on this traditionally significant day! From golden fields of harvest comes a golden opportunity to relish the ties that unite us; so come, make memories that last a lifetime, this Onam!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>800-1100 CE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early References to Onam</div><div class='timeline-text'>Earliest mentions to the festival of Onam are found in Sangam literature and inscriptions from the Chera dynasty rule in Kerala.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1819</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Documentation of Onam</div><div class='timeline-text'>British officials document the grandeur of Onam celebrations, including the traditional boat races, known as Vallam Kali.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1951</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formal Recognition by Kerala Government</div><div class='timeline-text'>Onam is formally recognized as a state festival by the government of Kerala.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Pulikkali Tiger Play</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pulikkali Tiger Play, a traditional Onam folk dance where performers paint themselves as tigers and hunters, is formally established as part of the celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tourism during Onam</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the festival's cultural significance and grand celebrations, Onam becomes a major tourist attraction, boosting Kerala's tourism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Eco-friendly Onam</div><div class='timeline-text'>A significant shift towards eco-friendly practices was observed in 2019 with the utilization of bio-degradable plates and utensils for Onam Sadya(feast).</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a Pookalam</h3><p class='facts-text'>One of the most emblematic traditions of Onam is to design your Pookalam- an intricate floral carpet made of blossoms. In the spirit of Onam, gather family and friends and create your own colorful Pookalam in your home.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Prepare a traditional Sadya</h3><p class='facts-text'>Onam cannot be truly celebrated without partaking in a traditional Sadya- a lavish vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf with up to 26 different dishes. Invite friends and family over and prepare this indulgent banquet together to cherish this tradition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Listen to Onam songs and stories</h3><p class='facts-text'>Immerse yourself deeper in the culture of Kerala by listening to the traditional songs and folktales associated with Onam. Search for ballads and tales online or get a local friend to recount them for you.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in Vallamkali</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you're fortunate enough to be in Kerala during Onam, don't miss out on the chance to either participate in or watch the thrilling Snake Boat Race, also known as Vallamkali.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dress up in traditional Malayali attire</h3><p class='facts-text'>During Onam, men traditionally wear a white mundu with a golden border, while women dress up in a white saree with a golden border, called Set Mundu. Dressing in traditional attire is another meaningful way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Onam.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Onam represents the richness of Kerala's culture and tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Onam celebrates the cultural heritage of Kerala. Its rituals, music, dance, and costumes all paint a vivid picture of the region's historical depth and cultural richness. Plus, the festival showcases the unifying spirit of the Kerala community, making it a high point in their cultural calendar.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Culinary delights that tantalize taste buds</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Onam certainly has a lot to offer food lovers. From the traditional Sadya prepared on banana leaves to a wide variety of sweet treats, Onam celebrations are a true feast for the culinary senses. Trying out these traditional dishes is a highlight for many during this festival.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>A vibrant showcase of competitions and performances</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Onam is also about fun and games. From the grandeur of Vallamkali (the snake boat races) to the creation of magnificent Pookalams (floral designs), there's plenty of entertainment and competition. The festival provides the perfect blend of culture, tradition, color and exuberance, offering a truly unforgettable experience!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Ten days of Continuous Celebration</h3><p class='facts-content'>Onam is celebrated for ten consecutive days, each with its own special significance and set of traditions, making it one of the longest Indian festivals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A True Blend of Sacred and Secular</h3><p class='facts-content'>Onam celebrations are a blend of religious and secular affair, with the religious ceremonies at temples, personal homes, whereas community events like boat races and dance performances made open to all, regardless of faith.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Onam and the Ritual of King Mahabali's Return</h3><p class='facts-content'>Legend has it that during Onam, Kerala's cherished King Mahabali temporarily returns from the 'netherworld' to visit his people, symbolizing love, attachment and affection between rulers and the populace.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Significance of Onam in Agricultural Calendar</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to being a religious festival, Onam also signifies the end of monsoons and the arrival of the harvest season for Keralites, making it a traditional thanksgiving to nature and a celebration of agricultural abundance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Thiruvathira Kali, A Unique Onam Dance</h3><p class='facts-content'>Onam boasts a unique dances form Thiruvathira Kali performed by women around a lamp. This graceful dance involves clapping of hands and is a major attraction during Onam celebrations.</p></div></div>
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