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| Happy Onam August-Sept. 2025 .acharyainduprakash.com |
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| Happy Onam 2025 paytm.com |
Above images: Primarily celebrated in the state of Kerala, Onam, a vibrant festival that marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, who is believed to make annual visit to see his people during this time. It is a harvest festival celebration that highlights Kerala's long held tradition and culture bringing together families and communities, promoting a spirit of unity and joy. Commenced on August 26, 2025, Onam festival will culminate on September 5........
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| Onam floral dcoration easeindiatrip.com |
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Pookolam, with flowers. patrikai.com
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India, is a land of many colorful festivals and some are native to their respective states. They offer a kaleidoscopic view of our culture that is deeply embedded in the Hindu religion. People, including Indian diaspora living abroad celebrate Hindu festivals with great enthusiasm and devotion. If you examine the core, the matrix of many of these festivals is ''spiritual''. No other country has so many colorful festivals as India has. In southern India Pongal or Sankaranthi and Onam festivals are popular and are associated with harvest seasons.
The Onam festival of 2025, a ten-day harvest celebration, will take place from August 26 (Atham) to September 5 (Thiruvonam), the most auspicious day of the festivities. This annual event is a grand showcase of Kerala's vibrant culture and a heartfelt commemoration of the mythical King Mahabali's yearly homecoming. The festival is rooted in a legend where King Mahabali, a benevolent yet proud ruler, was humbled by Lord Vishnu in the form of a dwarf saint, Vamana. As a test of his integrity, Vamana asked for a small piece of land covering just three strides. True to his word, Mahabali surrendered his kingdom and, ultimately, his own head for Vamana's third step, an act that earned him salvation and the divine blessing to visit his beloved people once every year. The people of Kerala celebrate Onam to welcome him, believing his presence ensures their prosperity and well-being.
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| Floral decoration- Pookplam, Kerala abplive.com |
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Onam pookolam bajajelectricals.com
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The celebrations are marked by a deep sense of community and rich traditions. Homes are meticulously cleaned and decorated with intricate floral carpets known as Pookkalam, which are refreshed daily over the ten days. The festival officially begins with the Athachamayam procession, a colorful spectacle of floats, dancers, and musicians. Cultural expressions like the graceful classical dances Kathakali and Mohiniyattam are performed with great devotion in temple compounds.
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| Tiger dance cnbctv18.com |
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| Onam Snake boat race southasiatraveljournal.com |
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| Onam Snake boat race theindia.co.in/ |
The festive spirit is further amplified by folk art forms such as Puli Kali (tiger dance), Thambi Thullal (women's dance), and the rhythmic percussion of Chendamelam. A major highlight of Onam is the electrifying Vallam Kali, or snake-boat races, held at various rivers and lakes, drawing massive crowds to witness the synchronized rowing and fierce competition. Snake-boat races of Champakulamand of Aranmula are another major attraction of the festival. During the festival time lasting 10 days, particularly after evening well-trained performing artists will perform state's traditional dances such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, etc.
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| Onam sadhya.hindustantimes.com |
Above image: Traditional ''Onam Sadhya'' is quite popular and is cooked in all households. There is no doubt that the mouth-watering array of food will tickle your hungry tummy. Spread on cleaned plantain leaves, the meal includes nine courses, but may include over two dozen dishes, including chips (especially banana chips), Sharkaraveratti (fried pieces of banana coated with jaggery), pappadam, various vegetable and soup
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The heart of Onam lies in the Onam Sadhya, a legendary vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. This meal is a culinary masterpiece, often featuring over two dozen dishes that delight the senses. The array of flavors includes a mix of sour, sweet, spicy, and savory dishes such as tangy Injipuli, a variety of vegetable stir-fries like Thoran, and the rich, thick gravies of Avial and Sambar. The feast culminates with a selection of Payasams, sweet puddings made with milk or jaggery. The Sadhya is not just food; it's a communal experience that symbolizes harmony and abundance. The inclusive nature of Onam is evident as people from all religions partake in the festivities and the grand feast, reinforcing the festival's role as a unifying force in "God's Own
