Crafts Maps of India - Kerala - Front (1993-2010) by Suresh MuthukulamDastkari Haat Samiti
Celebrating Onam
Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, India. Although originally a Hindu festival it is celebrated by all communities to bring in the new year by celebrating the bountiful harvest.
The celebrations are spread over 10 days and include a boat race, folk and classical dance performances, as well as a special feast which celebrates the harvest.
Vamana (incarnatie van Vishnu als kleine mens) (1825 - 1875) by anoniemRijksmuseum
The Myth behind the festival
A long time ago, Kerala was ruled by a demon king by the name of Mahabali, who had conquered all the three worlds. He always cared for the welfare of his subjects, the fame of which envied the gods and lessened their significance.
Vishnu took the form of Vaamana (a dwarf Brahmin) and requested King Mahabali to grant 3 foot of land for meditation purpose.
Vaman (1890) by Ravi Varma PressOriginal Source: From the Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation
Mahabali lowered his head and Vaamana placed his foot on his head and was sent to the nether world.
The opportunity granted to Mahabali by Vaamana to visit his subjects once a year is celebrated as Thiruvonam, the most auspicious day of the Onam festival.
Pookkalam - the flower carpet
Pookkalam translates into "carpet of flowers". They are elaborate and beautiful flower arrangements made outside every house on Onam. The pookkalam is made to welcome Mahabali, who is believed to visit Kerala every year during Onam.
Teyyam du Kerala - Inde Teyyam du Kerala - Inde (2003-04-04) by Robert, Marie-Noëlle - Théâtre équestre ZingaroMaison des Cultures du Monde
Celebrating Onam with dance!
The best of Kerala’s folk and classical dances are performed during Onam.
Bell Metal Casting: Theyyam performance (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
These dances are colorful, entertaining and showcase the best of Kerala’s cultural heritage.
Pava Kathakali, marionnettes à gaine du Kerala. Pava Kathakali, marionnettes à gaine du Kerala. (1987-12-01) by Dumontier, Jean-PaulMaison des Cultures du Monde
Classical dances like Kathakali are also performed.
Pulikali: dance of the tigers
Pulikali is another popular folk dance that is performed during Onam. Dancers paint their bodies to look like tigers and dance to drums. The dance is reminiscent of a tiger hunting its prey.
Bell Metal Casting: Community and people (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Boat Race
Boat races known as vallam kali are one of the most grand traditions associated with Onam. During the festive season people come together to engage in various entertainment activities.
The snake boats are upto 100 feet long and the thrill of the race is accompanied by singing the vanchi pattu (song of the boat). Boat races are confined to southern districts of Kerala like Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta.
Sadya, the Onam feast
Onam celebrates the harvest of Kerala with a feast called Sadya which is also one of its main attractions.
Sadya is a grand vegetarian feast served on a plantain leaf, consisting of rice, various seasonal vegetables, savouries, pickles, and desserts.
Block printed Saree Block printed Saree by Gopal Lal Barad & Arshad KafeelDastkari Haat Samiti
Kasavu, the traditional saree
Kasavu is the traditional cream saree with a golden border from Kerala.
No. 54 Mohiniattam Drape - Kerala, IndiaOriginal Source: www.borderandfall.com
Try this drape unique to Mohiniattam dancers from Kerala!
or take inspiration from Ravi Varma's heroines...
Thiruvathira
The festival of Onam brings together the entire state of Kerala to celebrate the bountiful harvest of nature.
Featured videos include:
"Onappookkalam, How to Put Pookkalam" by Kerala Tourism
"Pulikali - 'Play of the Tigers' (Tiger Dance) - Kerala Festival" by Arindam Biswas
"Thaalam - Rhythm Of The Nation" by Virtual Bharat
"How to Serve a Sadya, traditional Vegetarian Feast of Kerala l Order of Kerala Sadya" by KeralaCulture
"How to Organise Kerala Sadya - Easy Tips" by Veena’s Curryworld
