Onam

 Onam 2021 began on

Thursday

, 

12 August

and ends on

Monday

, 

23 August

Onam is an annual harvest festival( rice harvest) celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events. Drawing from Hindu mythology, Onam commemorates King Mahabali.

Observances: Boat Race, Kaikottikali Dance

Significance: Harvest festival

Related to: Balipratipada

Date: Thu, 12 Aug, 2021 – Mon, 23 Aug, 2021

Observed by: Malayali Hindus, Kerala state

Onam marks the first month of the Malayalam calendar known as Chingam. The festival commemorates the appearance of the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. This year the festival will be celebrated today, on August 21.

During the ten-day festivities, devotees bathe, offer prayers, wear traditional clothes -- women of the household wear a white and gold saree called the Kasavu saree - participate in dance performances, draw flower rangolis called pookkalam and cook traditional feasts called sadya.

The traditional dress code followed during the festivals are basically a white, off white or cream saree with a golden border commonly called as Kerala Saree or Kerala Saree for women and Men with white-colored mundu or dhoti with kasavu border combined with a shirt or kurta is the favourite of all men.

Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight during the Onam season. This dance showcases performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, who dance to the beats of instruments like Chenda and Thakil.