Onam Facts for Kids

Onam starts off every year with a parade called Athachamayam.

The festival of Onam is celebrated in Kerala, in south India, and Malayalam speaking people all over the world celebrate it. The celebration comes after the middle of August and before the middle of September. This period is known as the month of Chingam in Kerala. It starts with the star of Atham and lasts for 10 days; the star of Thiruvonam being the tenth day.

People of Kerala believe in a myth about a great emperor Maveli (Mahabali) who is said to have ruled over Kerala once. He was a popular king and the people had no suffering during his rule. He is thought to visit Kerala to meet his people on the day of Thiruvonam. On these ten days, the courtyards of the houses are adorned with floral images. It is a period of feasts, sports and other entertainments.

Images for kids

Vamana teaching King Mahabali ,1672 Dutch Painting
The dwarf Vamana taking a leap-step is a part of many Hindu temple arts (above), and one legend behind Onam.
Maveli is worshipped as Onathappan during Onam festival
Floral Rangoli during Onam are a tradition
Thrikkakara Appan Onathappan idol (an icon of Vamana avatar) inside Pookalam during Onam
Thiruvathira Kali dance during Onam.
Kathakali performances are a part of Onam tradition.
Pulikali is a dance in tiger costumes.
An Onam boat race
Sadya is the traditional nine or more course vegetarian meal served on banana leaf.
Onam harvest festival is marked with a special feast lunch on last day and includes rice and a sweet at the end.
Onapottan in traditional costume is a custom in northern Kerala. Onapottan visits houses and gives blessings.

Onam facts for kids

Images for kids

See also