Kasaragod, Sep,16: Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala. This year they celebrate Tiru onam on Monday, September 16. It is considered a secular festival, celebrated by people of all religions and castes with the same passion.
The festival comes during the Malayalam Month of Chingam and the people believes that the mythical King Mahabali, who Malayalees consider as their King will come to their home every year in this month see his people living happily.
The main feature of Onam is the grand food called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruvonam. And another one is onakkodi, the new clothes worn on this day and onam sadya.
The floral carpet, known as ‘pookkalam’ is made out of the various beautiful flowers. The main purpose of this pookalam is to welcome Mahabali.
In Kerala, People of all religions, castes and communities celebrate the festival with equal joy and energy. It is the festival celebrated with most number of cultural elements such as Vallam Kali, Pulikkali, Pookkalam, Onatthappan, Thumbi Thullal, Kazhchakkula, Atthachamayam etc. Onam also helps to create an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood by way of various team sports organised on the day.
Many lamps are lit in Hindu temples of Kerala during this celebration. Many devotees were also presented at the historical temple of Madhur, Shree Madananntheshwara Siddivinaya Temple on the occasion of Onam on Sept. 16. A multi-coloured floral decoration on the ground called Pookalam was put in front of the temple by Yuva Kesari Team.
