India - Onam

Onam

Onam, the foremost festival among the cultural repertoire of Malayalees, falls in the harvest season. Chingam or Bhadrapada, the first month of the calendar ushers in Onam. After the rain drenched Karkidakam with its privations, Chingam is a welcome month of plenty. This picturesque ten-day harvest festival is celebrated with traditional fervour with visit to temples, family get-togethers, gifting each other clothes called Ona-kkodi and lots of merry making.

Onam originated as a joyous annual reminiscence of the golden rule of King Mahabali, a mythical king, who ruled Kerala a very long time ago. It recalls the sacrifice of the great king, his true devotion to God, his human pride and his ultimate redemption. Onam welcomes the spirit of a great king, wish him well and assures him that his people are happy.