Return of Onam celebrations in Kerala marks joyous festivities and boost tourism.
The God's Own Country is set to welcome back the traditional onset of Onam, a festival quite popular in the state of Kerala. The festival celebrates the return of the legendary and mythologically infamous demon king Mahabali. The festival is so significant and famous that it is not only celebrated in Kerala itself but the entire nation and for that matter even the world.
Kerala tourism is reinstating the festival in its full glory after the halt of celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The festivities will be brought to the streets and homes of people in Kerala with vibrant carnivals, varied arts, and art forms as well as a projection of old traditions connected to the festival. Calling upon tourists, the Responsible Tourism Mission Coordinator, Government of Kerala, Mr. Rupesh Kumar stated that they will be organizing numerous festivities for the tourists to indulge in as they move forward with the glorious celebrations. The tourists will be able to enjoy Onam Sadya at local homes. Onam cavalcades will be resumed in Thiruvananthapuram and the champions league has also been announced by Mr. P.A Muhammad Riaz, Tourism Minister.
Onam's joyous celebrations start with the making of Pookalam, a type of rangoli, on Atham, the first day. Dances, Pookamal-faceoffs as well as local dramas and music follows. Puli kali dances are famous as people paint their bodies yellow and white to demonstrate a tiger and perform the traditional tiger dance done on the fourth day of Onam. The years-old snake boat race is upheld on the fifth day. The sixth day marks cultural, social, and political gatherings and arts of Kerala.
The festival of Onam brings in a unique image of marigolds, softly lit candles, and the delectable Onam Sadya which completes the festival's charm. Experiencing this grandiose festival should be a given for any person willing to dive into Kerala's authentic culture.
