The return of the kind-hearted and much-loved demon King Mahabali is celebrated in the festival of Onam. It is a harvest festival that is observed in the month of Cingham, which falls between the month of August and September according to the Malyali calendar. It is not only the festival of harvest and the return of their much-loved King but also a new beginning. It is called Kolla Varsham, the beginning of the Malayali year. The celebrations last for 10 long days and each day holds much significance. The festival is marked by grand processions, traditional recreational games, and boat races. The preparations start early and people deep cleanse their houses, and prepare all the puja essentials to celebrate the festival. There are many traditions and Kerala being the house of some important martial arts and sports plays most of the traditional games to celebrate Onam. The games are fun, dangerous, and intriguing which will take you by surprise if you wish to know more about the traditional games played on Onam. To satiate your curiosity about traditional games. Here is a detailed list of traditional games played on Onam. But even before we start you must know that the games are divided into two categories- the combat games and the recreational games. All the games played at the event of Onam together are called the Onakalikal or Onam games.
The traditional combat games of Kerela performed in Onam are said to be a bit dangerous. Even though weapons are not allowed in combat games, the damage that bare hand combat is unimaginable. The combat games are both played individually and in groups.
The game of Kayyanakali is one of those dangerous games we were talking about. It is played in groups. There are two groups with well-balanced strength of contenders. These two group combat with each to win the game. It starts with an individual going ahead and challenging the other and the rest joining in the fight. One by one the members of the team challenge and accept the challenge leading to a furious combat. The team who defeats most of the contenders wins the challenge and receives an elaborate prize along with the honor. This game is an ancient game that honors and celebrates strength and power. This game is of much importance and needs strategy and strength as a novice can end up attacking the vital organs which might lead to inevitable results.
Another combat Onam game is Attakalam which is a less deadly game when compared to Kayyankali. This also needs two teams to play but the combat is different from that of Kayyankali. In this game, two teams are needed of almost equal strength to maintain fairness. The game is played in a distinct manner on sandy ground. The game starts with one team standing in their place inside a circle where they have to stand their ground till the end of the game. The other team is responsible to take out the opposition teams member out of the circle. In order to do so they can touch the members inside the circle and once they do so other members inside the circle are allowed not to try to save the one he has touched. The struggle starts then and there as the person inside is also allowed to evade the opposition by any means necessary. It’s like a one-on-one struggle to maintain the base. The game ends when a team maintains to remain in the circle. The rounds of the game keep preceding like such and the winner is rewarded in the end.
This is also a game of strength but it is the safest game among combat games. We all have played this game in our childhood before as well, we call it Tug of War. The rules of the game are as we know. There are two teams who compete and show their strength by pulling the rope toward their side. The team succeeding in pulling the rope harder to their side wins the game. This game is a simple game enjoyed by almost all ages. There are no such complex rules but the game is one of the ancient games that adorn the traditions.
There are many games that do not require any combat skills. But are historically significant and are connected to the traditions of Onam. These games include folk games dancing and even boat races.
A recreational game with a vast history is the Vallam Kali. It is believed that during the time of war, the King suffered a heavy loss. To find a better boat to make up for the lost time he needed a better boat. The architect he got to make a boat for him made a snake boat that helped to sustain the loss. Hence, it is an integral part of the harvest festival and is played with a lot of enthusiasm. The Vallam Kali is actually the famous boat race of Kerela that we know happens during Onam. In this huge snake, boats compete with each to be victorious and receive the honor.
The name might be unknown to us but we are well aware of this game. The game Kutu Kutu is the game that we know as Kabaddi. The rules of the game are the same in which the two teams challenge each other one by one and the one to get caught is out of the game. The team surviving with a member still at their base wins the game. The only difference is that instead of calling out Kabaddi they call Kutu Kutu as the game proceeds.
This is a recreational folk dance art form in which people paint themselves with the stripes of tigers and dance. This is performed on the fourth day of Onam when artists paint their bodies as tigers and perform. They perform a traditional dance on the beats and rhythm of the instruments thakil, udukku, and chenda. The name of the art explains itself as it means the dance of the tigers. It is believed to be introduced by the then Maharaja of Cochin Sakhthan Thampuran. He wanted to celebrate Onam with a dance reflecting strength and wild spirits.
Visiting Kerala during Onam is the best way to witness the culture and energy of this place in its raw form. If you are lucky enough then we suggest you bask in the glory of traditions. Also, if you have some of your loved ones settled there then in that case you can send gifts to your loved ones who are in ‘God’s Own Country’ during this time of festivity. Your love and greetings to your dear ones will definitely reach them once you send gifts to them. Our website can help you do so with a wide range of gifts so that you can celebrate even from afar.
