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Onam is the most important festival in the South Indian state of Kerala. It falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Onam is called the national festival of kerala.Story tells that during the period of king Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Every body in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. But Mahabali was sent to another world by Vamana an incarnation of lord Vishnu because of gods envy on his popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted his wish to visit his land once in a year. The day which Mahabali visited kerala is celebrated as onam. TiruvonamThe tenth and the most important day of Onam celebrations is known as Thiru Onam or the Tiru Onam. People believe that s on this tenth day king Mahabali comes to visit his people. In the noon the grand feast of Onam called Onasadya is prepared. The strictly vegetarian meal consists of 11 - 13 mandatory dishes and is served on a banana leaf. The major celebrations get over on the tenth and the most important day of Thiruvonam. Customs of OnamBesides the various rituals that are meant to be completed in individual households, there are a lot of customary activities that are organized at the level of society and city all over the state. Athachamayam- Athachamyam is a grand procession that marks the beginning of the grand carnival of Onam. Snake Boat Race-The most enthralling and popular of all such customary events is the Vallamkali or the Snake Boat Race. Aranmula Uthrittathi- This is another magnificent boat event organised in connection with Onam. Procession of Decked Elephants- Trichur, the cultural capital of Kerala, marks the festival in its own beautiful style. Here, a procession of decorated elephants in carried out on the streets |
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