The harvest festival is celebrated in Kerala to mark the return of King Mahabali, who is said to visit his people on this day, every year from the netherworld.
God’s Own Country is a delight to be in during Onam as the state comes alive with music and festivities. The harvest festival is celebrated in Kerala to mark the return of King Mahabali, who is said to visit his people on this day, every year from the netherworld.
If you are unable to travel to Kerala during the festival, here are some ways you can celebrate this colourful festival in your city.
1. Eat Onasadya
Come Onam, it means a feast, not just for the senses, but also for the tastebuds. This vegetarian meal that is fit for a king must not be missed. You’ll find anywhere between 13 to 25 dishes in an Onam Sadya and it’s best eaten on a banana leaf. Dishes like olan, kaalan, kootu, thoran, puliinji, avial, pulissery, pachadi, kichadi, sambhar, rasam, rice, payasam, chips, papad and erissery are common in this meal. Most hotels across the country usually have a special Onam meal, so find one to indulge in or get invited to your Malayali friend's house!
2. Make a pookalam
A pookalam is a flower rangoli and traditionally, all homes in Kerala are decorated with colourful flowers during Onam. There are even pookalam competitions that are held across Kerala during this time. So why not buy an assortment of colourful flowers and decorate your front yard!
3. Wear a mundu
It may not be your typical outfit, but it’s extremely easy and comfortable to wear! Malayali women usually wear an off-white set-mundu (a two-piece cloth draped as a saree) with a gold zari border which is simple, yet classy. They pair these up with a blouse and neriyathu, while men wear them with kurtas or jibbas.
4. Watch a Kathakali performance
This theatre art form is a delight to watch on stage. The elaborate make-up and costumes add to the fierce expressions and drama as it unfolds on stage. The sound of the cymbals and the drums transport you to a long-forgotten era.
5. Make Ada Pradhaman
If you find making all the dishes for a Onasadya at home too tedious, an easier task is to make payasam. Ada Pradhaman (payasam made of rice ada, jaggery and coconut milk) is integral to Onam and is a dessert that is loved by all. The recipe is quite simple. So do try it!
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 "Onam 2015")
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