Most awaited annual festival Onam stands out as one of the few celebrations in the world that blends mythology and cultural expressions in a captivating
tapestry. It is celebrated during the Malayalam month Chingam (August/September) to honour the homecoming of king Mahabali and commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu. Celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion, the festival spans over ten days and culminates on Thiru Onam. Each day has its own various traditions and rituals performed by the Malayali community. Onam begins when homes are cleaned and adorned with Pookalam. By the fifth day, the thrilling snake boat races take center stage. The festival peaks when King Mahabali is believed to visit on Thiruvonam, and families celebrate with new clothes, feasts, and togetherness. Every corner of Kerala is decorated with flowers and the atmosphere is buzzing with devotion and delight. If you’re visiting Kerala during Onam, here are the top 5 experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Pulakali tiger dance Pulikali or Tiger Dance is one of Kerala’s most unique 200-year-old folk art celebrated in Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam. Performers, painted as tigers and hunters, dance to traditional percussion, creating a vibrant street spectacle that attracts both locals and tourists. Performers, called as Pulikalikkars undergo special training for weeks to excellent the art of dancing in the guise of tigers. These performers undertake 41 days of fasting, preparing their bodies for fasting. To achieve the appearance of these animals they use body paints and face masks. Face masks are made from paper, glue and materials like bicycle tubes and common rattan plants. Rich in culture and history, Pulikali offers a unique glimpse into Kerala’s festive traditions. Athachamayam Festival The Athachayam grand festival, held in Tripunithura , marks the start of the ten-day Onam festival in Kerala. This procession features 59 different art forms from across the state. The performance of traditional folk dances from Malabar region, highlights communal harmony. Various groups, including students from nearby schools and colleges dressed up in costumes ranging from mahabali, vamana, a tiger, to politicians and kings participates in this procession. They come dressed in costumes ranging from Mahabali, Vamana, a tiger, a hunter to politicians and kings. Pookalam One of the vibrant parts of the Onam celebrations is the making of Pookkalam. These pookalams are made in malayali households, starting from the day of Atham. It is believed that these pookalams are made to welcome Mahabali. In earlier times, only locally available flowers were used to create Pookkalams. The size of pookalam keeps increasing with each passing day. Yellow flowers and ‘Kolambi’ are also sometimes laid on the first day. It is believed that from the second day, bright flowers like hibiscus can be laid on the pookalam. On the day of Moolam (seventh day) the Pookkalam is square-shaped and is known as ‘Moolakkalam’. A pyramid-shaped clay figurine, is also set in the centre of the Pookkalam. Vallasadya Vallasadya is a grand feast offered as part of the Aranmula Vallamkali (boat race) celebrations at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple in Kerala. This ritual holds cultural significance associated with temples and boat race. Before the feast begins, rowers dressed in traditional wear, perform a ceremonial ceremony in the boat till the temple while singing traditional boat songs. This lavish vegetarian meal menu features over 60 different dishes, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. A variety of traditional Kerala dishes such as rice, sambar, avial, thoran, pickles, papadum, and payasam (a sweet dessert) is included in this meal served on banana leaves. It's a unique experience to enjoy for thousands of devotees and visitors, making it a grand and festive occasion. Thiruvathirakali (dance form) Thiruvathirakali is a popular dance form among women in Kerala, and is also known as Kummikkali, mainly performed on the occasion of onam. Women are dressed in either two pieces of cloth called Mundu Neriyathu (traditional kerala attire) or a Kerala sari. The dancers decorate their hair with jasmine flowers and dusapushpam (10 sacred flowers). The performance begins in praise of Ganesha followed by a Saraswati Vandanam. Singers also sing Kathakali songs and folk tales in the background. The dancers move in a circle, making both fast and slow movements in a graceful manner according to the rhythm of the song. The performance usually takes place at night where women stay awake and perform Thiruvathira. They bathe early in the morning, adorning fresh flowers in their hair.
