Onam 2021: Celebrating in God's Own Country

Palakkad

Palakkad also known as the 'Granary of Kerala' is a vast stretch of paddy fields, palm trees, tropical forests and hilly terrains. This otherwise silent town comes to life during the festival of Onam. There are parades held on the streets where people are coloured and dressed as various mythological characters and animals. There are plays held based on mythology and singing and dancing are a part of it. It is the perfect time to visit this town as it is completely colourful and lively. You can reach here by train or take a bus from the nearby towns. If you plan to travel by air then you cn travel to Coimbatore and thereafter proceed by road or train to Palakkad.

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Alleppey

Alleppey also called Alappuzha is often referred to as the 'Venice of the East' thanks to its innumerable lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers. This backwater town is the hub of activity during the Onam celebrations with the Nehru Boat Race being the prime attraction. Tourists coming here during the festival time can witness the frenzy and adrelanin rush that the race provides. It is said that over 50 boats paticipate in this race and each boat is owned by few of the families living here. Alleppey has its own railhead hence making it easy to commute here. Those travelling by air would have to disembark either at Thiruvanthpuram Airport or the Kochi Airport. There are buses available from nearby towns as well.

Photo Courtesy: Ronald Tagra

Thrissur

Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, is a land of festivity with it hosting the Thrissur Pooram every year. This district is known for its cultural heritage, religious sites and educational significance. The specialty of this town is that during the Onam celebration, performers dress up as tigers and perform a dance called Pulikali. It is one of the unique art forms displayed in the country, but what is more interesting is that it takes over four hours for each performer to get prepared. People here go out of their way to get decorated and dance, as at the end of the festival the best dressed person and best dancer is handed over the much-coveted prize. Tourists come from far and wide come to see this unique artform and at times also give a hand at it. The best way to travel here is by rail or by buses. Those travelling by air will have to get off at Kochi airport and the either take a train or a bus to reach here.

Photo Courtesy: Felix Francis

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthpuram, the capital of Kerala, is the economical and commercial hub. Unlike most other districts of the state which is majorly rural, this city is completely urbanised. The celebrations of Onam are mostly organised by the state government and include stage shows which have performances of drama, classical dances and musical perfomances by well known singers. Tourists coming here can book passes before hand for them and enjoy the evening extravaganza. You can reach here by either train, bus or by flight.

Photo Courtesy: S y a m S u b r a m a n i a n

Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta, the market town of Kerala, is a region of temples, rivers, mountains and coconut groves. The noisy district is filled with traders buying and selling their wares in the open market. Onam is a major festival celebrated here with the Aranmula Boat Race being its major attraction. The snake boat race as it is otherwise known sees the traders rowing thin slender boats, fiercely competing to come first. Tourists coming here will be amazed by the madness of this race and if lucky can also try their hand at it post the official races. The easiest way to reach here is by road as it is well-connected with the nearby towns. You can also take a train to Chengannur or Thiruvalla and then travel by road. The nearest airport is the one at Thiruvananthapuram.

Photo Courtesy: Ross Morrison McGill

Kochi

Kochi, the beach town of Kerala, is famous for its beautiful beaches and its Portuguese architecture. The Onam festival here features a parade on the streets by decorated elephants, musicians and art performers. The Athachamayam performance is the highlight of the parade where people are dressed up and decorated. The entire town is decorated with streamers balloons and flowers. Tourists coming here can witness the grand parade and take interesting photos. You can travel here by air, road or train as it is well-connected by all means of transportation.

Photo Courtesy: US Consulate Chennai

Pookalam

Pookalam is an intricate and colourful arrangement of flowers laid on the floor. The tradition of creating Pookalams is extremely popular in Kerala and is followed as a ritual in every household during Onam celebrations. The word 'Pookalam' consists of two words,'poov' meaning flower and 'kalam' meaning decoration. There is a belief here that the spirit of King Mahabali visits Kerala at the time of Onam and he is said to visit every house here. The Pookalam is a decoration meant to welcome the spirit of the king.

Photo Courtesy: Kieon Ltd

Feast

The festival of Onam is incomplete without its grand feast. Traditionally referred to as Onasadya it consists of over 20 different dishes served on a banana leaf. This mouth watering meal are the traditional dishes of the state. It is a must for all those coming here during the Onam festival to have a go at this majestic meal. You may not ask for more as one serving in itself is quiet a mouthful to chow down! On the day of Onam every household prepares this meal as a gratitude to the almighty for having blessed them with happiness and richness.

Photo Courtesy: Ramesh NG