| Onam
Festival
This
is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the months
of August-September in the state of Kerala. According to mythology,
this land was home to king Mahabali-grandson of Prahlad. Onam
is a three-day celebration in memory of the reign of this
great king. The people believe that Mahabali comes to Kerala
at this time to see his subjects because of a boon granted
to him by the Lord Vishnu.
Every
home in Kerala buzzes with activity during Onam. Boat races
are organized on a grand scale. The boats are gigantic, carrying
about a hundred oarsmen. While rowing, they sing praises of
Bali and other great persons of Kerala in chorus. People have
a gala time observing the races.
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People
clean their homes and decorate the walls of their homes with coconut
and banana leaves. Even though, there is no deity associated with
Onam, the lady of the house performs a puja. Everyone in the house
is up early, taking a bath, dressing in clean clothes, and putting
on gold jewellery. The women then gather around and dance and sing
special songs in praise of Bali.
Deliciously cooked food is served on huge banana leaves. Rice is
the main dish served with different types of vegetable curry. Sambhar,
followed by rasam and avial are served. Curd and kheer from part
of the menu. Pickle and banana chips are favourite accompaniments.
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