Onam is one of the biggest festivals in South India. It’s a harvest festival that is mostly celebrated in God’s own country, Kerala. This popular Indian festival exemplifies Kerala’s culture and its rich cultural heritage. It lasts for 10 days and there are many rituals and traditions that go into making the festival a grand affair. It’s a great occasion for sending gifts to India for your loved ones.
Onam is one of the most popular festivals in Kerala. The festival explicitly manifests the culture, rituals, and customs of Kerala. The festival also celebrates the homecoming of the well-known legendary King Maveli. The ancient legend narrates that Kerala witnessed a golden era during the rule of the emperor King Mahabali. Every inhabitant of the state was delighted and happy. He was highly respected and honored by his subjects. This made Gods jealous of him and they approached Lord Vishnu explaining that King Mahabali has become equivalent to Lord Indra. During this time, King Mahabali visits his kingdom on an annual basis and receives the service of Lord Vishnu as a gatekeeper in the world of Pathalam. Hence, this grand visit of King Maveli is celebrated as Onam each year. Every citizen of Kerala cherishes this festival with pomp and grandeur. They also delight as well as with the king and have a happy & prosperous life.
The festival is celebrated for 10 consecutive days. Artistic flower carpets, a delicious feast with 11 to 13 dishes, snake boat races, Kaikottikkali and Puli Kali dances, etc are an integral part of this grand festival. So if you want to delight your dear ones on Onam, you can send gifts to India via our website.
The beautiful landscape of Kerala becomes more radiant during Onam. The distinct customs associated with this harvest festival make the celebration remarkable. It encompasses various dynamic activities. Onam starts with the traditional decoration of the floor with flowers. Known as Pookalam, these floral decorations are known for their regal beauty. After the completion of the morning rituals, the whole family prepares for the grand feast together. Known as Onam Sadya, it constitutes all the customary dishes. These palatable food are served over banana leaves which are enjoyed together. Various traditional dance forms are performed during this 10-day-long carnival. Among them, the most popular are Thiruvathira, Kummattikali, and Pulikali. Thiruvathira is the orthodox manifestation whereas Kummattikali and Pulikali are the frolic performances with colorful masks. Vallamkali, the snake boat race is one of the most anticipated events of Onam. It is viewed and enjoyed by a huge number of spectators.
Onam is one of the main festivals in the South Indian state, of Kerala which is celebrated by all with much pomp and zeal, irrespective of any occasions or festivals. This auspicious day is commemorated to mark the homecoming of the mythical king, Mahabali. This day is observed to show honor to this great king and memorize his reign of peace and prosperity. This colorful festival is celebrated for long ten days. Many elements of Kerala's culture, such as the Kaikottikali dance, snake boat race, and decorating beautiful rangolis are linked to this festival. Onam is also known as the state's harvest festival and is celebrated at the beginning of the first month of the Malayalam Calendar (Kolla Varsham) known as ‘Chingam'. This month falls in August-September according to the Gregorian calendar and in Bhadrapada or Bhadon according to the Hindu Calendar.
