ONAM

Onam is the most popular festival in the state of Kerala, India.  Onam is the official state festival of Kerala.  It is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by Malayalees regardless of religion, caste or creed.  According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.  During his rule, there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. Rich and poor were treated equally( Real socialism).  There was neither crime, nor corruption.   

Onam is a 10 day long festival celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam Calender(Kollavarsham).  This corresponds with the month of August to September according to the Gregorian Calendar.  Of the 10days, the first day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruvonam are most important of all.

Elaborate feasts know as Sadhya, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, boat race (Vallam Kali) and concentric floral decorations (Athapookkalam) are all part of this dynamic festival.  Malayalees make all the efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress their beloved king that they are happy and to wish him well.  People buy new clothes and sweets during the celebration of Onam.

The Government promotes Onam internationally in a big way and celebrates “Tourist week” for Keral during onam Celebrations.  Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam every year.

Every year BHIMA celebrating Onam with Onapookalam  and Onapattu followed by cultural programs end with Onam Sadhya .  More than 300 people attended last year Onam  Celebration.  Eminent peoples attended in the event as Chief Gust