ONAM : Kerala's Secular Pageant

In the coconut tree lined backwaters of Kerala, boat races are an event of great pageantry.

Artistic flower pattern are made in front of each home on Onam. Among the most colourful community festivals of India is Onam, specific to Kerala. It is celebrated as a secular state event by all the people whichever religion they may belong to. Coming at the end of the monsoons, in the month of Shravan, it commemorates the return of king Mahabali, a powerful mythical ruler of Kerala, once again to his kingdom and his adoring subjects. Bah resides in the netherworld as ordained by Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Vishnu.

Onam is synonymous with a procession of caparisoned Elephants and boat races in the backwaters along the verdant coconut plantations. Homes are decorated with flower garlands. Intricate floral designs are arranged outside every home, along with traditional lamps. Decorations, traditionally handmade from coconut leaves, coir and cane, hang outside gates and all merrymakers wear white and gold garments.

Onam is a rnagnificent food festival for Keralites. After a morning spent visiting friends, families share a superb meal served on fresh green banana leaves. The lavish feast comprises of banana wafers, ginger chutney, vegetable kootus and avial as well as jaggery sweets and milk payasam.

Onam is a truly festive notmay season in Kerala, for which oeoDle like to travel back if they are away from their home state.