Onam

Subject – Art and Culture

Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Onam.

Concept:

Onam is a harvesting festival observed by the Malayalis during the month of Chingam, the first month in the Malayalam calendar, Kollavarsham. It usually falls in the month of August and September every year.
According to legends, the festival is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Keralaat 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
Several traditional rituals are performed and celebrated by a lavish feast called ‘Sadhya’.
Women perform folk dances which is also a major attraction of the festival. Kaikottikali is a clap dance performed by women. While dancing they praise King Mahabali. They also dance in a circle and it is known as ThumbiThullai.