Onam

Subject: Arts and culture

Context:

An animated video depicting Maveli’s visit to Kerala during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the importance of wearing a mask, is being widely shared on social media

Concept:

• It is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala irrespective of religion
• According to legends, the festival is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam
• Onam celebrations include Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower Rangoli), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, ThumbiThullal (women’s dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and other celebrations