"Festivals of Kerala: Celebrating Onam-My Tasty Memories"
Hai My Readers,
Sreelakshmi Here...:)
Today is Aug 2nd 2023...the month of celebration. We Keralites actually need to celebrate those 10 days of Onam, Malayalees will say : "Atham Pathinu Ponnonam".. and they really mean it. It's actually Celebration time in Kerala.
The festival we waited to happen fast every year..there are lots of reasons for that ..like golden threaded Pattpavada , Mund shirt , Jasmine flowers to tie around hair ,new ornaments , Vadamvalli with Whole family & in most of the cases this Vadamvalli will cause injuries ..because we pull a dead strong rope from two sides ,all our uncles , aunties , brothers , friends and cousins will participate.If one side of the rope was out of hand the other side peoples means our uncles and aunties will fall on top of each other and other like sandwiches ...it's very entertaining hahaha.....ha :0 :)...You should see that ....!!!!
Onam also is a reunion every year for all the family members to get together ...We cousins have lot of things to talk about the like "Seethu , from where did you bought this dress" , " Did anyone proposed you " and surely some hot gossips and New actors :) . That's the day we usually plan our trips and dress together ..it's girls gang .
Now we can jump to what boys are doing out there ..(sneak-peak)
They were literally talking about girls offcourse . The one they saw in temple or near our home. " Her beauty , her eyes , that look 'that is definitely me who she give her flirty look"..each one them will say "that is me ,that is me "..Then main thing they will talk about is about Bikes , Beard growth crisis , Alchahol crisis uyooo so boring ....::::( Not really !!!)
Aunties and our moms are the ones who actually discuss about their future ...sorry "our girls and boys future "..
Lets listen to what they are saying (ears on) " Sajitha , Ponnu is turning 18 next month ,we need to find a boy for her ,orelse disaster will happen "
"That's right Saji...we can search , there is a boy ..his mom like Ponnu ,he is in Navy ..we can look that case fast ..so that her future will be Safe"
US: " OMG ..Runnnnnnnnnnnnnnn escape to some Snake hole ...shhhh"
Our uncles will definitely betting , planning finance alongside any river throwing out "Cheers"....
And the main thing "SADHYAAAAAAA" ...
Spreading the delicacy all over the green banana leaf ...the sourness ,bitterness and hot chilly flavour of Achar to the sweet pineapple Kaalan in the right ..will open all the senses of taste buds:sweet,sour,bitter,chilly etc...(refer to Images above for correct form of serving Sadhya). There is a default space for each item in Sadhya , it's according to the usage of our hand ...and what should we eat first and last .A completely packed house of delicacy...It's a feeling !!!!
Payasam also its the dessert ...pour some payasam into the banana leaf ,mix it will pazham and pappad ..mix well and eat it ahhhh!! Heaven ...also lick some mango pickle or salted pickle inbetween..
This is my Onam Story ...
Now let us look to some history of Onam and read rest of the points below;
Onam is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. It is a ten-day harvest festival that typically falls in the months of August or September, depending on the Malayalam calendar. Onam marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, who is believed to visit Kerala during this time to see the well-being of his people.
Here are some key highlights and traditions of the Onam festival:
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Pookalam: Can't miss this !!! Pookalam ,where we go out near temples and neighbouhood to collect flowers like jasmine ,rose , marigold, hibiscus etc . We altogether create beautiful patterns with the flowers ..nostalgic !!!
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Vallam Kali (Boat Races): Kerala is famous for its traditional snake boat races held during Onam. Spectacular races take place in various backwaters and rivers, where teams of oarsmen compete in long snake-like boats. The Aranmula Boat Race is particularly popular and attracts a large number of spectators
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Pulikali: Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali, is a traditional folk art form performed during Onam. Men paint themselves as tigers or hunters and dance through the streets, entertaining the spectators with their vibrant performances.
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Onathappan: Onathappan is a pyramid-like structure made with clay, flowers, and other natural materials. It is a representation of King Mahabali and is placed in the center of the Pookalam.
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Kaikotti Kali: Kaikotti Kali is a graceful dance form performed by women during Onam. It involves clapping of hands and rhythmic movements while singing traditional songs.
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Shopping and Cultural Events: Onam is a festive time, and various cultural events, dance performances, and music concerts take place across the state. People also indulge in shopping for new clothes and home decor during this period.
Onam is not just a religious festival but also a celebration of Kerala's culture, heritage, and unity. It is a time when people come together, irrespective of caste or creed, to rejoice in the spirit of togetherness and prosperity. If you have the opportunity to visit Kerala during Onam, you'll be captivated by the colors, traditions, and warmth of the celebrations.
"Onam athoru Vikaramaanu"
Thanks for Reading All!!!
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By Sreelakshmi Ajayakumar
2nd of Aug 2023