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ONAM

ONAM

Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated in the state of Kerala in India. It falls in month of August–September(Chingam in malayalam month). 
The festival is a major annual event for a Malayali, and it is celebrated with numerous festivities. It includes Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower arrangement), Onathappan (worship), Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women's dance), Kummati kali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and other celebrations.The festival remembers Hindu mythologies associated with Mahabali, Vishnu, Kashyapa and Parashurama. 


Athachamayam
The Onam celebrations across the state, starts off with a grand procession at Thrippunithura near Kochi called Atthachamayam. 
Pookkalam(flower arrangements)
The floral carpet, known as Onapookkalam or just Pookkalam is made out of the gathered blossoms with several varieties of flowers of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to design and decorate patterns on floor, particularly at entrances and temple premises like a flower mat. Lamps are arranged in the middle or edges. 


Pulikali(tiger dance)
Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight during Onam season. This dance showcases performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, who dance to the beats of instruments like Chenda and thakil.


Vallamkali(boat race)
The vallamkali  or the snake boat race is another event that is synonymous with onam. Famous  races includes  the Aranmula uthrattadhi boat race and the Nehru trophy boat race. 


Onam Sadya
The Onam sadya includes Injipuli, Thoran, Mezhukkupuratti, Kaalan, Olan, Avial, Sambhar, Dal served along with a small quantity of ghee, Erisheri, Molosyam, Rasam, Puliseri (also referred to as Velutha curry), Kichadi and Pachadi, Moru (Curd with water), Pickles, pappadam, chips, Sharkaraveratti.

 

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