Thiru Onam, 2008 – Kerala’s Grand Festival
Posted on August 25, 2008 in Festivals by naveen
Thiru Onam is the biggest and most attractive festival in Kerala. Thiru Onam is also called as ‘Harvest Festival of Kerala’ because it is celebrated during the harvest season. Considered as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala looks more magnificent in harvest season. The pleasant atmosphere of the season enhances the beautiful feel of the festival.
When Thiru Onam - 2008 is Celebrated?
Thiru Onam represents the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. It falls in the Malayali month, Chingam (August – September). In 2008, Thiru Onam falls on 12th September, Friday.
Customs of Thiru Onam:
Carnival of Onam comes through a galore of vibrant activities. People of Kerala celebrate the festival in full grandiose.
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Pookalam: Pookalam, a flower carpet laid in front of every house during Onum to welcome the legendary King Mahabali. 
Athachamayam:
This is the grand procession that begins the grand carnival of Onam. It is celebrated on ‘Atham’ with a large fan-fair in Thirpunithura and Piravam. In 2008, it falls on 2nd September, Tuesday.
Vellamkali or Snake Boat Race:
The most exciting, enthralling and famous of all the customs of Onam is the Vellamkali or the Snake Boat Race. Vellamkali is held just a few days before the festival. Though, it is celebrated in several places in Kerala, the most important and popular of all is the one held at Alappuzha.A lot of large and decorated boats called ‘Chundan vallams’ participate with hundreds of boatmen in the race. Provided with the songs and music, rowing on the rhythm makes the event more captivating.
Aranmula Uthrittathi:
This is another captivating boat event held in connection with Onam. It is celebrated on the day of Uthrittathi Asterism at Aranmula. Behind it, there is a myth that narrates a story of Lord Krishna crossing the river on that specific day.
Decked Elephants:
A procession of decorated elephants is held on the streets of Trichur, the cultural centre of Kerala. It is the most favorite event for children to watch the bejeweled elephents walking on the streets in their fullest majesty.
Kathakali at Cheruthuruthy:
In a small village in the north of Trissur district, Cheruthuruthy, Onam celebrations are marked for the Kathakali performance by the best dancers of Kerala.
Pulikali or Kaduvakali:
This is the most entertainig event of all the customs of Thiru Onam. For this, performers take the guise of tigers and entertain people.
Kummattikali:
This is another recreational folk form of dancing from Kerala. Kummattikali performers entertain people on the scintillating occasion of Onam.
Kaikotti kali or Thiruvathirakali:
This is a clap dance performed on the occasion of Onam. In this dance form, women sing songs praising the legendary King Mahabali and dance around the pookalam, a floral rangoli. At the centre of this, they place a lit bronze lamp called ‘nilavilakku’. It is a tremendous sight to watch a troupe of female dancers performing their traditional Kerala attire.- Thumbi Thullal:
Kerala women also perform Thumbi Thullal, a folk dance, on the occasion of Onum. It is performed by a group of women sitting in the form of a circle. The lead performer sits in the centre of the circle, initiates the song and her fellow singers take up the song. Clap dance is also performed by the traditionally dressed women. 
Onakalikal:
This is a collective name for all the games played during Onam. Games of Tiru Onam constitute sports like Kutukutu, Talappanthukali, Kayyankali, Attakalam and Archery.
HAPPY ONAM
» Filed Under Festivals
August 27th, 2008 at 10:10 am
nice article about Onam Festival.
September 10th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Hai
ariticles is very nice, we are outside india so can enjoy with this kind of articles.
if you are adding some video programs also then very good for us.
Thanks & best regards
we wish you very happy & prosperous ounum 2008
from Mrs. Sabu John
Hong KOng.