ONAM
Onam, the principal festival of Kerala, is celebrated against a setting of lush green vegetation. This picturesque harvest festival brings ten days of colour feasting, boat races, song and dance to the state.
According to legend, Onam is celebrated to welcome the spirit of King Mahabali, and to assure him that his people are happy and wish him well. The myth goes like this : Mahabali, the Asura king of Kerala was ousted from his kingdom by Lord Vishnu. So attached was the king to his kingdom and subjects, that he asked for and was granted permission to visit once a year. Onam (Thiruonam) is considered to be the day when King Mahabali comes from exile to visit his beloved people.
The festivity begin ten days before Thiruonam, by putting floral decorations (Pookkalam) on every home. At Trichur, caparisoned elephants take part in a spectacular procession. A magnificent display of fireworks marks the end of the festivities here. At Cheruthuruthy, appreciative crowds gather on the green, where the Kathakali dancers, resplendent in their brilliant costumes, re-enact the well-loved stories of the epic heroes and virtuous women.
The Vallamkali (boat race) is one of the main attractions of Onam, and is best seen at Aranmulai and Kottayam. About a hundred oarsmen row huge and graceful odee (boats). Oars dip and flash to the rhythm of drums and cymbals in each boat. The songs are generally typical in character and concern people well known in Malabar. Above each boat gleam scarlet silk umbrellas : their number denotes the affluence of the family owning the boat. Gold coins and tassels hang from the umbrellas.
In the evening girls perform the Kaikottikkali (Thiruvathirakkali ) in the open, dancing around the traditional brass lamp.