September 5 – Onam

Onam is Today!

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HOW TO CELEBRATE ONAM STEP-BY-STEP

Learn how to celebrate Onam.
Wear traditional Indian clothing.
Serve the 26 delicacies of Onam.
Purchase and exchange Hindu gifts.
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04/28/2024 02:38 pm GMT

Onam is a vibrant festival that is celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is a time of joy and celebration, where people come together to participate in traditional activities and festivities. One of the most popular activities during the festival is the Onam sadhya, a grand feast that consists of over 20 different dishes served on a banana leaf. The festival is also known for its elaborate street parades, colorful floral decorations, and striking cultural performances. What makes Onam even more special is the spirit of unity and togetherness that it brings forth, reminding us all of the importance of community and compassion.

ONAM: A BRIEF HISTORY OF ONAM

Onam is a ten-day festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the state of Kerala, India. It is believed to commemorate the homecoming of King Mahabali, a beloved ruler who is said to visit his subjects during this time of year. Folklore has it that King Mahabali was an exceptionally just and generous king who was loved by his people, and that even the gods felt threatened by his popularity.

Onam is an opportunity for Keralites to celebrate their culture and tradition, and it is filled with vibrant colors, music, dance performances, and lots of delicious food. It is a time for families to get together and enjoy each other’s company, and it is a reminder of the rich history that has shaped the people of Kerala. For generations, Onam has been a cherished tradition, and it continues to be one of the most anticipated festivals in India.

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE ONAM

Onam Pookalam Competition: Engage in a friendly competition to create the most beautiful floral designs, known as pookalams, using colorful flowers and petals.
Traditional Onam Sadhya: Prepare and enjoy a traditional Onam feast, known as Sadhya, featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf.
Onam Boat Race Spectating: Attend or watch the thrilling snake boat races, known as Vallamkali, where teams row traditional snake boats in a spirited competition.
Onam Folk Dance Performances: Participate in or watch colorful folk dance performances like Thiruvathirakali, Kaikottikali, and Kathakali to celebrate the cultural richness of Kerala.
Onam Athapookalam Making: Create intricate floral rangoli patterns, known as Athapookalam, outside homes and public spaces to welcome King Mahabali.
Onam Vallamkali Decorations: Decorate traditional snake boats with vibrant colors, flags, and floral arrangements in preparation for the boat races.
Onam Pulikali Procession: Join the festive procession of performers dressed as tigers, known as Pulikali, dancing and entertaining spectators.
Onam Flower Shopping: Visit local markets to purchase fresh flowers and floral decorations to adorn homes and public spaces during the Onam festival.
Onam Kathakali Performance: Attend a captivating Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama that depicts stories from Indian epics with elaborate costumes and makeup.
Onam Cultural Competitions: Participate in or attend various cultural competitions such as singing, dancing, and storytelling to showcase talents and celebrate Onam.
Onam Folk Music Concert: Enjoy live performances of traditional Kerala folk music genres like Oppana, Thayambaka, and Margamkali during the festive season.
Onam Planting Ceremony: Participate in a symbolic planting ceremony where rice and vegetable seeds are sown as a gesture of prosperity and abundance for the year ahead.
Onam Sadya Sharing: Extend the spirit of Onam by sharing Sadhya meals with friends, family, and neighbors, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
Onam Shopping for New Clothes: Shop for new clothes and traditional attire like Kerala sarees, mundu, and kasavu sarees to wear during the festivities.
Onam Cooking Workshops: Attend cooking workshops to learn how to prepare traditional Onam dishes like avial, olan, and parippu curry from expert chefs.
Onam Floral Decoration Workshops: Participate in workshops to learn the art of creating intricate floral decorations and rangoli patterns for Onam celebrations.
Onam Cultural Exhibitions: Visit cultural exhibitions showcasing traditional arts and crafts, handloom textiles, and artifacts from Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
Onam Community Service: Volunteer for community service initiatives such as cleaning public spaces, organizing charity drives, or helping the less fortunate during the festive season.
Onam Family Reunion: Gather with family members and loved ones for a joyous Onam reunion, sharing stories, laughter, and creating cherished memories together.
Onam Movie Marathon: Watch classic Malayalam movies and Onam-themed films with family and friends, immersing in the cultural heritage and traditions of Kerala.
Onam Cultural Procession: Participate in or watch vibrant cultural processions featuring traditional music, dance, and colorful floats depicting Kerala’s cultural diversity.
Onam Storytelling Sessions: Listen to captivating stories and folklore about King Mahabali, Onam legends, and Kerala’s rich cultural history told by elders and storytellers.
Onam Art and Craft Workshops: Engage in art and craft workshops to create Onam-themed decorations, rangoli patterns, and traditional handicrafts using local materials.
Onam Photography Contest: Capture the essence of Onam celebrations through photography, participating in or organizing contests to showcase Kerala’s beauty and culture.
Onam Community Feast: Organize or attend community feasts where people from all walks of life come together to share meals, celebrate unity, and spread joy during Onam.
Onam Pookalam Art: Create intricate floral rangoli patterns using vibrant flowers and petals to decorate homes and public spaces during Onam.
Paper Quilling Onam Greeting Cards: Craft beautiful Onam-themed greeting cards using paper quilling techniques, featuring designs like Kathakali dancers or traditional Onam motifs.
Coconut Leaf Weaving: Learn the art of weaving intricate patterns using coconut palm leaves, a traditional craft often seen during Onam celebrations.
Clay Onam Figurines: Sculpt miniature clay figurines depicting Onam scenes such as King Mahabali, Vallamkali boats, or Kathakali dancers.
Onam Rangoli Stencils: Design and create stencils featuring Onam motifs like flowers, elephants, and lamps for easy rangoli making.
Fabric Appliqué Onam Wall Hanging: Make colorful fabric wall hangings with appliquéd designs inspired by Onam themes like pookalams or Kathakali dancers.
Palm Leaf Thoranam: Craft decorative Thoranam (door hangings) using dried palm leaves adorned with beads, sequins, and traditional motifs for Onam decorations.
Kerala Mural Art Painting: Learn and practice the vibrant Kerala mural painting style to create Onam-themed artworks featuring gods, goddesses, and nature.
Onam Clay Diyas: Mold clay into diya (lamp) shapes and decorate them with intricate designs to illuminate homes during the festive season.
Onam Paper Lanterns: Make colorful paper lanterns in traditional Kerala designs like Kathakali faces or elephant motifs to adorn homes and streets.
Kasavu Saree Tassel Earrings: Craft stylish tassel earrings using threads in the colors of the Kasavu saree, a traditional attire worn during Onam.
Onam Kolam Stickers: Design and print stickers featuring Onam kolam (rangoli) patterns to decorate floors or windows with ease.
Kerala Boat Model Crafting: Build miniature models of traditional Kerala boats like snake boats or fishing boats using wood or clay.
Banana Leaf Painting: Paint intricate designs inspired by banana leaves on canvas or paper, incorporating traditional motifs and colors.
Kerala Elephant Paper Crafts: Create 3D paper crafts of majestic Kerala elephants adorned with vibrant decorations for Onam festivities.
Onam Sadya Menu Cards: Design and decorate menu cards featuring the elaborate Onam Sadhya dishes, perfect for showcasing the feast spread.
Kathakali Mask Making: Craft colorful masks resembling Kathakali characters using paper mache or clay, adding intricate details for authenticity.
Kerala Mural Pot Painting: Paint clay pots with intricate Kerala mural art motifs and patterns, suitable for displaying flowers or rangoli.
Onam Kolam Embroidery: Practice traditional embroidery techniques to create Onam kolam designs on fabric, adding a touch of elegance to clothing or decor.
Kerala Lampshade Decorating: Decorate plain lampshades with Kerala-inspired designs like Kathakali faces or traditional patterns using paints or fabric.
Papier-Mâché Onam Decorations: Make papier-mâché sculptures or decorative items inspired by Onam symbols like elephants, flowers, or Vallamkali boats.
Kerala Mural Art Coasters: Design coasters featuring intricate Kerala mural art motifs, protecting surfaces while adding a touch of cultural flair.
Onam Paper Flower Bouquet: Craft colorful paper flowers in traditional Kerala designs and arrange them into bouquets for festive decorations.
Kathakali Bookmark Making: Create bookmarks shaped like Kathakali faces or dancers, adding ribbons or tassels for a decorative touch.
Kerala Mural Art Tote Bag: Personalize tote bags with hand-painted Kerala mural art designs, making stylish and unique accessories for Onam celebrations.
Onam Treasure Hunt: Organize a treasure hunt game where participants follow clues to find hidden Onam-themed treasures or prizes.
Thiruvathira Dance Competition: Host a friendly dance competition featuring the traditional Thiruvathira dance, where participants showcase their skills and grace.
Onam Rangoli Design Contest: Invite participants to create intricate rangoli designs inspired by Onam themes, with prizes awarded for the most creative and beautiful designs.
Vallamkali Boat Race Simulation: Set up a boat race simulation game where teams compete to paddle their way to victory, mimicking the excitement of the traditional Vallamkali boat race.
Onam Quiz Challenge: Test participants’ knowledge of Onam traditions, history, and culture with a fun and engaging quiz competition.
Kathakali Makeup Challenge: Challenge participants to recreate Kathakali makeup looks using face paint and accessories, with judges awarding prizes for the most authentic and creative interpretations.
Onam Memory Match Game: Play a memory match game with cards featuring images of Onam symbols, such as flowers, elephants, and traditional attire.
Pulikali Dance Off: Organize a Pulikali dance-off where participants dress up as tigers and perform energetic dance routines, with judges selecting the most entertaining performances.
Onam Cooking Contest: Host a cooking contest where participants showcase their culinary skills by preparing traditional Onam dishes, with prizes awarded for the most delicious and authentic recipes.
Kerala Folk Song Karaoke: Hold a karaoke competition featuring popular Kerala folk songs and Onam-themed melodies, with participants singing their hearts out for a chance to win prizes.
Onam Card Game Tournament: Arrange a tournament of traditional Kerala card games like Thattu Kada, with players competing to demonstrate their card-playing prowess.
Pookalam Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge: Create jigsaw puzzles featuring images of elaborate pookalam designs, challenging participants to assemble the pieces and complete the puzzle in record time.
Onam Word Search Puzzle: Distribute word search puzzles containing Onam-related words and phrases, challenging participants to find and circle all the hidden words within a time limit.
Kerala Folk Dance Flash Mob: Organize a surprise flash mob featuring energetic Kerala folk dances like Thiruvathira or Kaikottikali, delighting onlookers with spontaneous performances.
Onam Tambola Game: Play a game of tambola with tickets featuring Onam symbols and motifs, calling out numbers and awarding prizes to lucky winners.
Kerala Traditional Dress Fashion Show: Host a fashion show where participants showcase traditional Kerala attire like Kasavu sarees and Mundu, with judges selecting the best-dressed contestants.
Onam Photography Scavenger Hunt: Organize a photography scavenger hunt where participants capture images of Onam decorations, symbols, and festivities, competing to take the most creative and compelling photos.
Kerala Folk Dance Workshop: Conduct a workshop where participants learn the steps and movements of traditional Kerala folk dances like Oppana and Margamkali, culminating in a lively group performance.
Onam Bingo Game: Play a game of bingo with cards featuring Onam-themed images and symbols, calling out items related to the festival and awarding prizes to winners.
Kerala Folk Tale Storytelling Session: Arrange a storytelling session where participants share traditional Kerala folk tales and legends associated with Onam, captivating listeners with their narratives.
Onam Musical Chairs: Play a musical chairs game with traditional Kerala music playing in the background, adding a cultural twist to this classic party game.
Kerala Art and Craft Competition: Host an art and craft competition where participants create Onam-themed artworks using various mediums like paint, clay, and paper, with prizes awarded for creativity and skill.
Onam Dance Off: Organize a dance competition featuring various dance styles, including classical, folk, and contemporary, with participants showcasing their talent and passion for dance.
Kerala Cuisine Tasting Contest: Hold a tasting contest where participants sample and identify different Kerala dishes blindfolded, testing their knowledge of the region’s culinary delights.
Onam Relay Race: Arrange a relay race with teams competing in traditional Kerala attire, completing tasks and challenges inspired by Onam customs and traditions, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
Onam Sadhya: Prepare a grand feast featuring a plethora of traditional Kerala dishes served on a banana leaf, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and more.
Palada Payasam: Cook a creamy and delicious dessert made with milk, rice ada, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts.
Ada Pradhaman: Indulge in a rich and aromatic dessert made with jaggery, coconut milk, rice ada, and garnished with cashews and raisins.
Olan: Enjoy a mild and flavorful curry made with ash gourd, pumpkin, coconut milk, and seasoned with curry leaves and coconut oil.
Avial: Savor a mixed vegetable curry cooked with coconut, yogurt, and seasoned with curry leaves and coconut oil, offering a delightful blend of flavors.
Pulissery: Delight in a tangy and creamy curry made with ripe mangoes, yogurt, coconut, and seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies.
Parippu Curry: Relish a comforting lentil curry made with moong dal, coconut, and flavored with cumin, garlic, and curry leaves.
Sambar: Enjoy a hearty and flavorful lentil stew made with mixed vegetables, tamarind, and aromatic spices, perfect with rice or dosa.
Kalan: Indulge in a tangy and creamy curry made with yogurt, raw banana, coconut, and seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies.
Pachadi: Taste a sweet and tangy side dish made with yogurt and vegetables like cucumber or pineapple, flavored with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies.
Thoran: Enjoy a dry vegetable stir-fry made with finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, beans, or carrots, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut.
Kootu Curry: Try a delicious and nutritious mixed vegetable curry made with black chickpeas, coconut, and flavored with tamarind and spices.
Ulli Theeyal: Experience a tangy and spicy curry made with shallots, coconut, tamarind, and seasoned with mustard seeds, fenugreek, and curry leaves.
Rasam: Relish a comforting and tangy soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, lentils, and flavored with garlic, cumin, and black pepper.
Chakka Pradhaman: Delight in a luscious dessert made with ripe jackfruit, coconut milk, jaggery, and flavored with cardamom and ghee.
Pineapple Pachadi: Enjoy a sweet and tangy pineapple curry made with coconut, yogurt, and seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies.
Nei Payasam: Taste a rich and creamy dessert made with rice, jaggery, ghee, and flavored with cardamom and cashews.
Koottukari: Try a flavorful mixed vegetable curry made with yam, raw banana, pumpkin, and flavored with coconut, tamarind, and spices.
Moru Kachiyathu: Experience a tangy and spicy buttermilk curry made with coconut, shallots, and seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies.
Chena Mezhukkupuratti: Enjoy a simple and flavorful stir-fry made with yam, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies.
Cabbage Thoran: Savor a crunchy and aromatic cabbage stir-fry made with coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies.
Ada Prathaman: Delight in a creamy and flavorful dessert made with rice flakes, jaggery, coconut milk, and flavored with cardamom and nuts.
Koottucurry: Taste a spicy and tangy mixed vegetable curry made with chickpeas, coconut, tamarind, and flavored with spices.
Sarkara Varatti: Enjoy a sweet and crispy snack made with ripe plantains, jaggery, and flavored with cardamom and ghee.
Cherupayar Thoran: Relish a nutritious stir-fry made with green gram dal, coconut, and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies.