Onam Festival 2023: Date, Traditions, Rituals, Celebrations and History
The article discusses Onam 2023, a significant traditional festival celebrated by the Malayalee community worldwide. Originating from Kerala, the festival is marked by various cultural events like boat races, dance forms, Rangoli, art, and traditional clothing. It is a grand affair featuring unique rituals and practices.
The festival involves multiple customs, such as the creation of intricate floral designs called Pookkalam by women, symbolizing good luck. The Vallamkali, or Snake Boat Race, is a major tourist attraction. Another notable ritual is Pulikali, where men paint themselves as tigers and dance to drum beats.
The heart of the celebration lies in the “Onam Sadya,” a grand feast consisting of 13 dishes served on banana leaves, including rice, vegetable curry, curd, and sweet stew called Payasam. Various traditional dances are performed, like Kathakali, which narrates Hindu mythological stories.
Cultural activities and temple processions, featuring ornately decorated elephants, occur during the festival. The main event, Thiruvonam, involves the departure of King Mahabali and the immersion of clay statues. Avittom and Chatayam are also significant days of Onam.
In 2023, Onam is slated for August 29. Overall, Onam is a time of vibrant cultural expression, communal gathering, and rituals that hold deep cultural and religious significance.
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