Marking as the significant harvesting festival of Kerala, Onam is celebrated in the state with great fervor for 10 days period between the month of August and September. The biggest and most important festival of Kerala, Onam is a Hindu harvest festival which beholds a great significance in Malayali culture. It celebrates the Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the return of Emperor Mahabali, and also celebrates many Hindu mythologies related to Kashyapa and Parashurama.
History of Onam Festival
As per the legends and myths of ancient times, Kerala was ruled by the demon King Mahabali. During his rule, everyone lives happily without the feeling of hatred and there was complete harmony. By seeing this, the Gods who were feared of the wise and powerful king decided to seek out for the help of Lord Vishnu to suppress the powers of the king. In the form of dwarf Brahmin (Vamana), Lord Vishnu impresses the king with intelligence and knowledge, as a reward the king asked him to make a wish and he will fulfill it at any cost.
As a wish, Vamana asked for the three-step of land and the king agreed to this. Eventually, Vamana grew larger and large, by one step, he measured the whole sky, the second one- the earth, and by the third step he could damage the whole earth. To save the earth from danger, the king offered his head to the Lord to measure. As soon as the Lord Vishnu (Vamana) placed his foot over the king’s head, he was pushed to the underworld. Though, the good deeds of the king, made him visit his favorite kingdom once in a year as by God’s reward to him.
Celebration of Onam in Kerala
Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala celebrates this festival with much fanfare by hosting innumerable events and activities all across the city. These events are comprised of Pookalam contest, dance contest, handicraft fairs, various stage shows, folk arts, and many other interesting activities that bring excitement and zeal among the people. However, Thrissur, Alleppey, and Kuttanad region also celebrate Onam Festival with great enthusiasm.
To get indulge in this harvesting festival of Kerala, Indian Exotic Travel makes-out the best of arrangements for guests in the most renowned places where the rituals of this gala can be experienced well.
We also arrange the special packages for the Onam Festival where you can enjoy this festival with a local family by becoming part of the core celebration spirit.