Onam

In the land of green, blessed by the heavens with plenty, in God’s own country is celebrated Onam, an annual harvest festival. Much looked forward to, by the young and the old, a celebration planned months ahead, Onam is the festivities of ages.

Starting the celebrations, with the famous boat race, Vallamkali, preparing in advance, getting gliding snake boats ready . The members, hand picked, each to row in unison, to win the coveted cup, for their team. They row as one, to the beat of a drum, their heart , to the rhythm in their zeal, with no distinction between, the different caste or creed, they heave as one, to win that race .

Decorations with gathered blooms, the Pookalam, adorns the front of each home, in various hues, to welcome the king or the pauper, who so ever chooses to visit. Painstakingly, each petal laid, to form designs most intricate, exceptional, a cynosure of every eye. Food served in plenty, shared among family, friends, who travel from far and wide, to be with their loved ones, on this special day.

The well known Sadya, is an integral part, a meal prepared wholly, from the fruit of the earth, most befitting for the harvest festival .An art form with two to three dozen dishes, all served on a banana leaf . Sambar, rasam, moru curry, thoren, olan, kalan, pulisery, erisery, avial, theil , uperi, sarkaraperti , kadumanga, ada payasam, pal payasam, and of course, the pappadam and many nameless dishes . A meal curated, to satiate the much awaited finger licking and delicious, gastronomical treat.

Competitions held in Thiruvathira, Kathakali and Puli Kali, practiced and performed, to achieve perfection. Parades and floats, depicting the mythological story of Onam, are a common sight. The state cultural festival of Kerala, the land blessed by nature and also the one that bears her fury, is celebrated by all . Governed not by religion, or bias, all come together to welcome Mahabali, a king who sacrificed his life, to save his subjects, from jealous gods.