Onam : Kerala's Biggest festival

Onam (ഓണം) is a Kerala's Biggest festival celebrated in the month of Chingam. Onam date is decided based on Malayalam Calendar. Chingam month is known as Simha month in other solar calendars and Avani month in Tamil Calendar. The day when Nakshatra Thiruvonam (Shravana) prevails in month of Chingam is considered for Onam celebrations. 

The celebrations of Onam start on Atham (Hasta Nakshatra) day and continue for 10 days till Thiruvonam day. 

Onam is a festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It is the state festival of Kerala and falls during the month of Chingam (August–September) and lasts for ten days. The festival is marked by various festivities, including intricate flower carpets, elaborate banquet lunches, snake boat races, Onappottan, Athachamayam in Tripunithura, Kaazhchakkula in Guruvayoor, Puli Kali, Kaikottikkali, Kummaattikkali, Onathaar, Onachamayam, Onathallu, Thrikkaakarayappan, Thumbi thullal, Onavillu etc. This is one of the very few festivals which is celebrated with most number of cultural elements.

Significance of ONAM

Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. Kerala's rice harvest festival and the Festival of Rain Flowers, which fall on the Malayalam month of Chingam, celebrates the Asura King Mahabali's annual visit from Sutala. Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the people of Kerala since prehistory.

According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its golden era during the reign of King Mahabali. The Brahma-Vaivarta Puranam explains that Lord Vishnu wanted to curb the pride of Indra; and therefore positioned Mahabali in great power.

The Bhagavata Purana reads "He [Vishnu] will take the kingdom away from Purandara [Lord Indra] and give it to Bali Maharaja."

The subjects under Mahabali's reign were happy and prosperous and the king was highly regarded, so much so that even the gods under Indra became jealous of Mahabali as was intened by Vishnu, and they approached Vishnu claiming that Mahabali is now equivalent to Indra. Once Vishnu was assured that Indra's pride has been contained and that a world with two Indras represents imbalance, Vishnu assumed the form of a dwarf: Vamana. Vamana requested three steps of land for him to live in. Given a promise of three steps of land by King Mahabali against the warning given by his Guru Sukracharya, Vamana, enlarged himself to such dimensions as to stride over the three worlds. He had grown so huge that he could step from heaven to earth, and earth to the lower worlds in two simple steps. King Mahabali unable to fulfill the promise of three paces of land to the Supreme God, offers his head for the third step. Thus, Vamana places his foot on King Mahabali's head and sends him down to the netherworld. Being worshipped however, by Mahabali, and his ancestor Prahláda, he conceded to them the sovereignty of Sutala (netherworld).

However, as Mahabali was equivalent to Indra, he had to wait until the next Yuga where he would be the Indra. In the meantime, with the grace of Vishnu, Mahabali visited his people on an annual basis. Vishnu served Mahabali as a gatekeeper in Sutala as the Lord himself serves his greatest devotees.

It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.

The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten-day festival. The central feature of Onam is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine-course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.

Another popular feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the Pamba River, in which decorative boats oared by hundreds of boatmen race amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators and viewers.

There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with a ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of the house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations.

Mahabali's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala.

The following song is often sung over Onam:

“Maveli naadu vaneedum kalam,

manusharellarum onnupole

amodhathode vasikkum kalam

apathangarkkumottillathanum

kallavum illa chathiyumilla

ellolamilla polivachanam

kallapparayum cherunazhiyum

kallatharangal mattonnumilla

adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla

balamaranangal kelppanilla”

Translation of maveli naadu vaneedum kalam -

“When Maveli ruled the land,

All the people were equal.

And people were joyful and merry;

They were all free from harm.

There was neither anxiety nor sickness,

Deaths of children were unheard of,

There were no lies,

There was neither theft nor deceit,

And no one was false in speech either.

Measures and weights were right;

No one cheated or wronged his neighbor.

When Maveli ruled the land,

All the people formed one casteless races”.

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Vishu

Vishu, the new year for Malayalis, is celebrated on the first day of Medam month. In 2013, the day falls on 14th April.

History

Chithira Vishu finds mention in the incomplete Trikodithanam Shasanam by Bhaskara Ravivarman who ruled Kerala between AD 962 and 1021. According to scholars, Vishu has become a major celebration by then. It is believed that Vishu celebrations began in Kerala during the reign of Sthanu Ravi who ruled between AD 844 and 855. Vishu is mentioned in William Logan’s Malabar Manual as follows: Mathematically Vishu is the New Year day. On this day, Sun rises straight from the East.

 Mythology

It is said that Lord Sree Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on the Vishu day. Another interesting myth is related to the demon king Ravana. Ravana had never allowed the Sun to rise straight from the East and after Ravana’s death it was on a Vishu day, that the Sun started to rise from the East.

Science / Numerical derivations

Vishu conveys the message of auspiciousness and prosperity. The advent of this festival is marked by the widespread blooming of Kanikonna (Laburnum) flower. Once, this was the New Year festival of Kerala; much before the Kollavarsham calendar began. In the nearby State of Tamil Nadu, Vishu is celebrated as the New Year day. Kalivarsham and Sakavarsham also begin with Meda Vishu. Vishu is considered as the New Year according to Mathematical science also.

On the Vishu day, which has geographical and astrological relevance, the Sun is believed to come above the line of Equator. There are two phases in a year namely Dakshinayanam and Utharayanam. While in the former, the Sun is on the southern side of the Equator and in the latter it is on the northern side. Due to this, in one phase the duration of the day will be longer and the night shorter; while the reverse happens in the other phase. The only two days in which the Sun rises on the line of the Equator are the Tula Vishu and Meda Vishu.

  

 

Vishukkani

Vishukkani or the viewing of the auspicious objects is an important ritual associated with Vishu, the harvest festival of Kerala. It is believed that the first object that one sees in the Vishu morning determines the prosperity in store for the coming year. Hence, a set of auspicious objects will be arranged to be first beholden in the morning.

The Vishukkani, consisting of rice grains, fruits, Konna (Laburnum) flowers, gold and fresh coins – all signifying prosperity – will be arranged by the eldest female member of the family on the day prior to the Vishu day. Placed in a sparkling bell metal pan in front of the image of Lord Krishna, the set gets complete with a lighted Nilavilakku (traditional lamp of Kerala).

Vishukkani is also arranged in temples. The temples of Guruvayoor, Sabarimala and Kulathupuzha are famous for the Vishu celebrations and Vishukkani sighting.

Vishu Kanhi

On the Vishu day, the breakfast comprises Vishu Kanhi (rice porridge) and traditional vegetarian feast for lunch. The rice porridge for breakfast is made of rice, coconut and jaggery. This breakfast dish is popular in north Malabar region during Vishu. And for the feast during lunch, a special curry made of jack fruit (Erissery) and mango form important dishes. Vishukaineettam

Vishukaineettam or hansel given by elders to children is an important ritual in connection with Vishu celebrations. On the Vishu day, after sighting the Vishukkani, the elder person in a family hands out money to the younger members of the family. The effect of this symbolic gesture is believed to stay for the rest of the year. Money is also handed out to relatives and to domestic helps.

Vishukkani Vili

A practice prevalent in the north Malabar region of Kerala, Vishukkani Vili involves children, who move from one house to the other in villages, calling ‘vishukaniye, vishukaniye.’ As they arrive at houses giving out this call, they are given a type of rice cake – the kaniyappam, which the children collect by using the fresh mid-rib of coconut leaf. While this takes place, the local astrologer arrives and he would handover the Vishu astrological prediction for one year, written on coconut leaf to each household. This prediction would touch on matters pertaining to availability of rain, fluctuation in agriculture yields etc. The auspicious day for tilling agriculture land by using oxen was also decided by the kaniyan. This would be a day coming between the Vishu day and Pathamudayam – the 10th day of the Malayalam month, Medam.

Chal means channel in Malayalam. On the Vishu day, the spade is decorated using rice powder and prayers done. The senior-most member of the family and others enter the rice field with the decorated plough and spade. A type of pancake is deposited in the field and small channels (called chal) are then made in the field. This is followed by covering the field with cow dung and green manure. This filed is later used to grow rice and also vegetables like elephant yam and some tuber crops.

Vishu Kali

Vishu also marks the occasion to find out the Kali Samkhya. This is based on the Samkhya philosophy of Hinduism concerning the material universe with all its movement of rotation, revolution, gravitation etc. The morning of the first day of the Malayalam month Medam is considered relevant for calculating the Kali Samkhya and also for finding the Kali Samkhya for the first day of the following months.

Bihu, Ugadi, Vishu

Vishu is celebrated as Bihu in North India. In the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka the festival is called Ugadi.

Kerala:

Kerala is one of the most beautiful places in India. Thousands of visitors are coming in each year. Kerala is considered as the land of green magic is a narrow it is situated in the south-west coast of India, sandwiched between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats.

Kerala occupies the region known as the Malabar Coast. It is surrounded by the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Kerala is like a narrow strip of land lying between the Arabian Sea to the west and the hill ranges called Western Ghats . This geography defines Kerala's main identity as a green, rain-rich state filled with inland water bodies.

The rain-laden southwest monsoon comes across the Arabian Sea to hit Kerala around 1st June, and expends much of its waters here. More than 40 rivers flow down the Western Ghats to meet the Arabian Sea forming, with the backwash of the sea, a complex of canals and lakes called the Kerala Backwaters. This combined package of beaches, backwaters and greenery is what the tourism department promotes as Gods Own Country, making tourism one of Kerala's main businesses.

Kerala's history of being a progressive princely estate (Travancore) and long stints of Communist Party rule in independent India have led to high rates of literacy and life expectancy. But the state is not industrialized. Agriculture is a dominant occupation  rice, coconut, tea, coffee, and the spices pepper, cardamom, cashew which the Malabar Coast has traded for centuries. Fishing is another mainstay. The main cities of Kerala are capital Thiruvananthapuram (popularly called Trivandrum) and Kochi (popularly Cochin) of which Kochi is now a rising hub of industry and investment. Both cities have international airports.

The coastal areas of Kerala are a vast network of rivers, lakes, and lagoons, known as the "backwaters." Almost all transportation is by boat. These guys had been dredging sand and have a boat that's on the verge of capsizing.

Kochi harbour was an international port for Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British trade since the 14th century. Modern Kochi has Portuguese churches, Dutch buildings and old Jew quarters. Thiruvananthapuram was earlier the seat of the royal family of the kingdom of Travancore. Its Fort area has palaces, temples, and ornate residences. Alappuzha (called Alleppey) is a good backwaters cruise hub. Down the coast, Bekal Fort Beach, Cherai Beach, (25 kms from Kochi), Varkala and Kovalam Beaches (south of Thiruvananthapuram) are popular spots. Eravikulam and Silent Valley National Parks are reachable from the hill spots of Munnar and Palakkad.

Culturally Kerala offers Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art, and Kathakali dance in which elaborately costumed artists perform stories from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata.

Experience the Unspoilt Attractions with Kerala Tour

With the arriving of summer every one looks for the outing where any one can take their family and beloved one and spend some beautiful time of intimacy. However, this world is full of attractions, and here every place has its own value but the places are very few where you can experience the presence of God and Kerala is one of them, which is often referred as God’s Own Country.

Also known as green paradise it is one of the beautiful destinations which is nestled in south-western region of India. You might be thinking why you should prefer this place for holidays then we would like to ensure you that Kerala Tour Operators have designed the packages in such a way that will make your tour unforgettable and give beautiful experiences for lifetime. Whenever you will enter to this place, you will fell there presence of god. Mother-Nature has decorated this place with special attention which is really worth to experience. Here tourists have lot of choices to see and to do which makes this place most sought tourist destination. Tourists whether wish to explore the scenic landscapes with huge adventurous activities or whether eager to do fun and frolic at beach sites or to cruise over the exclusive backwaters, this place has every thing for every one which will definitely leave you spellbind.

Take your family and friends for Kerala Tour and explore the exotic backwaters. The cruises and the overnight stays in the houseboats are the best way to an unforgettable holiday. The waterbus ferry and the cruises boats are the most relaxed and enchanting. Besides the houseboats the regular accommodation options of the budget, standard, deluxe, luxury et al may be opted for. The entire maritime journey is a merry time experience in the true sense. The green and graceful, palm fringed backwaters of Kerala are unique in themselves. Globally praised for its magnificence, the tour of backwaters in Kerala is considered paralleled to and even much refreshing than the canals in Thailand, or the backwaters in Milan. The sparkling and emerald green waters acquiring the hues of tall huge green palms attract the tourists in quest of serenity and intangible beauty.

Apart from backwaters and other attractions, there are many other places which are worth to experience in lifetime. Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Kovalam, Kumarakom, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Munnar, Ponmudi, Varkala and many alike are the some of the Kerala Tourist Places. Munnar is a small hill station set amongst the Kannan Devan Hill which was once summer gateway of Britishers. Munnar is most favored among honeymooners and nature-lovers which persuade them to visit this place throughout the year. this hill station is blessed with lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, dense forests and various tea gardens which makes there environment pleasurable. The calm surroundings of Munnar attract the travelers in the hordes to relax in the lap of Mother Nature. Munnar also beacons the adventure-seeking travelers who are interested in mountaineering, paragliding and trekking and many other. Besides Munnar Kerala is blessed with many other hill stations and attractions which are worth to experience.

Budget Kerala Tour Packages

Kerala is not only famous for its beauty of nature but at the same time its rich culture and traditions and the friendly hospitality of the people has also become the prime concern of the people that magnets huge number of visitors from across the world.

India has several unique tourism places, some boost for their unique culture, some for adventure tours and travels, and some for their adventure tourism, some for rich culture and traditions, and some for historical attractions while some tourists places boost for their rich flora and fauna preserved in well known wildlife parks and sanctuaries. Well all are truly unique captivating and worth to visit and explore that make the tour to India truly an everlasting experience of lifetime. But if you want to enjoy holidays with immense fun and delights with a feather touch, Kerala is the perfect place that suits your needs. Kerala in India sandwiched between the azure Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats is gifted with unique geographical features and can leave any onlookers with its refreshing natural beauty and splendor.

Kerala in India has some beautiful tourist attractions which are enjoyable and offer feast to the eyes with a unique touch of memorable holiday in Kerala on India tour. Its refreshing greenery, picturesque vistas of the towering pine where the sun plays hide and seek, cascading waterfalls that sings glory of being so pristine, musical streams and the sweet thrilling sounds of the birds that fills the gap of the air, etc all combine together to make Kerala the sought after holiday destination in India. It is amazingly beautiful and this is the reason why this state is visited by great number of tourists and nature lovers from all over.

With the increase in the visit of tourists, travel and tour management companies have started concentrating to provide several Kerala travel packages at different budgets to cater the needs of one and all. Among all budgets Kerala tour packages are highly booked and praised as the packages caters the needs of one and all and let them explore the splendor of this beautiful state of Kerala in a delightful and memorable way. So book one from the many Kerala packages and delight in exploring all the attractions in a delightful and memorable way.

Kerala is not only famous for its beauty of nature but at the same time its rich culture and traditions and the friendly hospitality of the people has also become the prime concern of the people that magnets huge number of visitors from across the world. So what are you waiting for? Come to this state and explore many other colorful facets that have made Kerala internationally known holiday destination. More of all the state is also very famous for its “Ayurveda Treatment” a holistic science Practise since ages and still continuing to do so. With the help of the ayurveda treatment one can rejuvenate the tired soul, several skin diseases and more of all revive your body and give a new reason to live and enjoy life.

Well if you want to make your Kerala visit truly remarkable and memorable, book budget package tour Kerala and explore the splendor of this beautiful state with lots of fun and cherishable moments. Come and enjoy your holidays in the bliss of Heaven, Welcome to Kerala!!!