Latest

Kerala prepares with cheer for grand Onam celebrations after 2 low-key years

Onam. A revered festival of harvest in Kerala, a rejoicing of the homecoming of the mythical demon King Mahabali.

A celebration so special and dear to God’s own land; the 10 joyous days are astoundingly infectious across the country, beyond Kerala, and even overseas.

Celebrating Onam in Kerala - Marari Beach Resort - CGH Earth
Celebrating Onam in Kerala – Marari Beach Resort – CGH Earth

Think Onam, and visions of yellow and orange gendas, delicately lit diyas and the delicious Onam Sadhya fill the senses. However, those few who understand the relevance and have experienced the authentic festivities associated with the 10-day long period know that Onam is very much more! 

A real-life Onam experience is a definite yes to any travellers’ bucket list (a huge shout-out to cultural enthusiasts and photographers who revel in the richness of local cultures and their people).

Kerala Tourism is geared up

After two years of keeping Onam low-key owing to the pandemic, Kerala Tourism is geared up to bring alive the vibrant festivities to the streets and homes of Kerala with carnivals, arts and artforms and a showcase of the rich and ancient traditions associated with the festival. 

Inviting tourists and those who would like to witness and partake in the celebrations, Sri Rupesh Kumar, Responsible Tourism Mission Coordinator, Government of Kerala says, “The Responsible Tourism Mission is providing an opportunity for tourists to be a part of Onam celebrations in villages too. There is also an opportunity to have Onam Sadya in the local homes. Kerala Tourism is organizing a wide range of Onam celebration programs in all the district centres.  Onam procession will be resumed as a grand celebration in Thiruvananthapuram and the champions boat league was announced by Hon’ble Tourism Minister P.A. Muhammad Riaz.” 

History and culture of Pulikai

Larger than life, Onam’s ancient traditions reflect in every street and corner of Kerala beginning with the creation of Pookalam on Atham, the first day. Each passing day fills the air with brimming enthusiasm, a riot of colours, Pookamal face-offs,  dances, local dramas and music.

Pulaki-Tiger-Parade
Pulaki Tiger Parade

The spectacular grandeur, glorious history and culture of Pulikai are undoubtedly the top reasons why you should consider visiting Kerala during Onam.

Puli kali dances where people paint their bodies in yellow and white stripes and perform the ancient tiger dance on the fourth day of Onam is a photographer’s delight and joy to watch.

Athachamayam – The Grand Cultural Fiesta

We said grand and we stick to it! Athachamayam indeed is a grand fiesta of culture and traditional art forms! This event kicks off the 10-day-long Onam festivities.

Marari Beach Resort CGH Earth2 Kerala prepares with cheer for grand Onam celebrations after 2 low-key years
Marari Beach Resort – CGH Earth

The cultural event offers the incredible opportunity to witness the allure of various folk art forms of Kerala. You can become part of the gigantic street parade, starting from the town of Tripunithura and continuing to the Thrikkakara Temple. During the colourful procession, you will be mesmerised by the sight of beautifully adorned elephants walking with all their might.

The 400-year-old traditional snake boat race that marks day five has long claimed a space on the world map of exotic photo-ops and culture fests! Then comes the day of Carnival on Day 6, of many cultural gatherings of creative and performing arts from across the social, cultural and political fabric of Kerala. 

The Onam Sadhya – a culinary gala feast

Culminating in exchanges of produce from the farms and gifts, the Onam Sadhya, a culinary gala featuring over 25 traditional dishes seals the festivities with wishes for a new cycle of harvest.

Where can you eat Onam Sadhya? 

The well-known eatery – East Indies- for sure and definitely do a meal at History, Brunton Boatyard – the absolutely delish menu here includes 32 cuisines from all communities who’ve made Kochi their home! Kerala food is best tasted here.

Onam - A culinary gala featuring over 25 traditional dishes
Onam – A culinary gala featuring over 25 traditional dishes

There is no other way than immersing oneself in the celebrations to truly revel in the exoticism and joyfulness of Onam.

A favourite place to enjoy Onam festivities? Kochi

Where can you stay for an authentic Onam holiday and easy access to celebrations? Among Kerala destinations, Eighth Bastion and Brunton Boatyard in Fort Kochi are worth a try. Don’t miss the Pookamal creations (you can even try your hand at it) and the age-old customary local games that are played in the properties during this time.

CGH EARTH Coconut Lagoon Kerala prepares with cheer for grand Onam celebrations after 2 low-key years
CGH EARTH Coconut Lagoon

Read More: Latest

Related posts

My first journey to fascinating North East India

North East India has always fascinated me. I was privileged to be part of the Defence cum North East Attachment of the Indian Information Service (IIS)

Jharkhand’s greatest travel attraction - 6 must-visit stunning waterfalls

One of Incredible India’s greatest travel attractions, the sweep and fall of Jharkhand’s waterfalls emphasise the natural beauty of the state. If…

Discover Ladakh: Mystic Shangri-La of monks and adventure seekers

Ladakh is a region in the mystical Himalayan mountains which have been the centre of salvation for humans for ages. The mysterious…

Luxury glamping - your 8 perfect escapes to the great outdoors awaits

Glamping, or luxury camping, has become a mainstream favourite the world over.

10 best shopping hotspots in Pondicherry: Try the local food and love it

Go shopping in the street markets of Pondicherry that sport a distinct architectural style that sets them apart from other cities in…

Discover 4 unique luxury travel experiences on the hot travel list

Make your travel experience a jaw-dropping, heart-pounding moment of pure joy and let it stay with you forever.

Le Meridien New Delhi: 3 decades of modern history

In the heart of the capital, Le Meridien New Delhi has withstood the test of time for remaining the preferred choice of…

6 reasons to fall in love with the Season of Spring

‘Always it’s Spring and everyone’s in love and flowers pick themselves’ – EE Cummings.

Fall in love with Bhubaneswar in just 24 hours

24 hours in Bhubaneswar? Get ready for an action-packed discovery of the city

Honeymoon Special - 8 dreamy cities that spell romance

Are you and your partner looking for the perfect destination for a dreamy honeymoon? Sure, chocolates and flowers are welcome, and sunset-gazing…