Onam 2023: 7 lesser-known and interesting facts about 10-day festival
Published on Aug 25, 2023 11:27 AM IST
- Onam is a significant rice festival celebrated throughout Kerala that marks the beginning of the Malayalam year Kollavarshamis.
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Published on Aug 25, 2023 11:27 AM IST
Onam, also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, is a yearly 10-day harvest festival observed in Kerala. Starting from August 20th this year, the festival will end on August 31st. Let's explore intriguing details about Onam that give this festival its unique significance.(PTI)
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Published on Aug 25, 2023 11:27 AM IST
The festivities honour the comeback of the legendary King Mahabali, who is cherished as the ruler by the people of Kerala. Each year, the king comes to visit his people to ensure their happiness. (HT File Photo)
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A unique and traditional dance called Kaikotti Kali, or Thiruvathira Kali, takes centre stage during the festival. (HT Photo/Vivek Nair)
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Published on Aug 25, 2023 11:27 AM IST
Onam Sadhya (Grand meal) is a traditional meal that is prepared on Onam and is served on a banana leaf. It features more than 24 items that sometimes go up to 64 dishes. (Pexels)
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Published on Aug 25, 2023 11:27 AM IST
Pulikali (Tiger dance): This folk dance form is performed during the fourth day of the Onam festival. On this day devotees disguise themselves as tiger by painting their faces and bodies like tigers with stripes of yellow, red and black and dance to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments such as thakil, udukku and chenda.(AP)
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Published on Aug 25, 2023 11:27 AM IST
Onam pookalam is a floral decoration that is made in front of homes to welcome the king’s spirit. (HT File Photo)
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Aranmula Boat Race or Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali is a grand event and is one of the most ancient and revered boat races of Kerala that is held on the day of Uthrittathi asterism. (Instagram/@b_anandu_nair)
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Published on Aug 25, 2023 11:27 AM IST