India is a country of tradition and culture. Wherever you reach, you will discover a new culture, a new language, a new belief.
You have Diwali, Holi, Christmas, eid, Baisakh. Similarly, Onam is festival celebrated prominently in the southern states of the country, especially Kerala.
In the holy month of Chingam, as per the Malayalam calendar, the Malayali Hindus celebrate Onam.
The festival is celebrated on the accounts of the return of Lord Vishnu in a Vaman avatar, to the earth, as per the Hindu mythology.
The holy month of Chingam also marks the return of the legendary Emperor Mahabali.
Onam is also a harvest festival and is celebrated all over Kerala.
It is one of the three prime Hindu festivals observed in Kerala, Vishu, and Thiruvathira.
The celebration of Onam includes various activities like Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower arrangement), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women’s dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and other celebrations.
From this day, the Malayali Hindus observe the commencement of their new year.