Onam facts for kids
Onam is a big and colorful festival celebrated in Kerala, a state in southern India. People who speak Malayalam (the language of Kerala) also celebrate it all over the world. This special celebration happens every year between the middle of August and the middle of September. This time is called the month of Chingam in Kerala. Onam lasts for 10 days, starting with a special star called Atham and ending on the tenth day with the star of Thiruvonam.
Many people in Kerala believe in an old myth about a great and kind emperor named Maveli, also known as Mahabali. He was a very popular king who ruled Kerala a long time ago. During his rule, people were happy and did not suffer. It is believed that King Mahabali visits Kerala every year to meet his people on the day of Thiruvonam.
How Onam is Celebrated
Onam is a time for lots of fun and traditions. For ten days, people decorate the courtyards of their homes with beautiful floral designs called Pookalams. These designs are made using different colored flowers and petals.
The festival is also a period of big feasts, exciting sports, and other fun activities. Families gather to share special meals and enjoy time together.
Onam Traditions
- Pookalam: These are intricate flower carpets laid out in front of homes. People make new designs every day for the 10 days of Onam.
- Onam Sadya: This is a huge vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. It usually has nine or more different dishes, including rice, curries, and a sweet dessert.
- Traditional Dances: Many traditional dances are performed during Onam. These include:
- Thiruvathira Kali: A graceful dance performed by women.
- Kathakali: A famous classical dance-drama from Kerala, known for its colorful costumes and elaborate makeup.
- Pulikali: Also known as the "tiger dance," where performers dress up as tigers and dance to the beat of drums.
- Boat Races: Exciting snake boat races, called Vallamkali, are held on the backwaters of Kerala. Teams of rowers compete in long, narrow boats.
- Onapottan: In some parts of northern Kerala, a character called Onapottan visits houses. He wears a traditional costume and gives blessings to the families.
Onam is a time for joy, family gatherings, and celebrating the rich culture of Kerala. It reminds people of the good old days and the spirit of togetherness.
Images for kids
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Vamana teaching King Mahabali ,1672 Dutch Painting
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The dwarf Vamana taking a leap-step is a part of many Hindu temple arts (above), and one legend behind Onam.
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Maveli is worshipped as Onathappan during Onam festival
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Floral Rangoli during Onam are a tradition
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Thrikkakara Appan Onathappan idol (an icon of Vamana avatar) inside Pookalam during Onam
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Thiruvathira Kali dance during Onam.
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Kathakali performances are a part of Onam tradition.
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Pulikali is a dance in tiger costumes.
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An Onam boat race
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Sadya is the traditional nine or more course vegetarian meal served on banana leaf.
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Onam harvest festival is marked with a special feast lunch on last day and includes rice and a sweet at the end.
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Onapottan in traditional costume is a custom in northern Kerala. Onapottan visits houses and gives blessings.
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See also
In Spanish: Onam para niños
