Onam Festival in Kerala, India

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Onam is a festival of Kerala immersed in myths, folklore and traditions.

Onam is an occasion for Keralities to celebrate plenitude and togetherness. The ten-day Onam celebrations begin on the Atham asterism of the Malayalam month Chingam (August-September). Onam the harvest festival of Kerala which tells almost all the cultural and ritual activities practised during the Onam days.  During these days children prepare floral designs called Pookkalam in front of their houses to welcome Onathappan (an affectionate term of address for Maveli or King Mahabali). Thiruvonam, the tenth day, is the most auspicious. On this day all members of the family gather together, usually at the ancestral home for Sadya - the traditional lunch served on plantain leaves.

Disclaimer : In Kerala, some of the festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam Calendar. Local practices also influence the dates of some traditional, customary and auspicious events. Being the case, the dates appearing in this section are approximate, which the users need to confirm with the local authorities.

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