Cox and Kings

OriginOnam, the most important harvest festivals of Kerala, is held in remembrance of the mythical King Mahabali’s selfless ways and his golden rule over the state. According to legend, King Mahabali visits the state every year during the Malayalam month of Chingam, and consequently, Onam is held around this time (August –September). The festival goes on for 10 days.

Atham – The First DayThe first day of Onam starts off with a grand procession at Thrippunithura, calledAthachamayam. Previously a military procession headed by the Kochi Maharaj, post independence, the event has become an flamboyant display of the state's rich culture. Replete with elephant processions, folk art presentations, music and dancing, Athachamyam is a spectacular event and is a major crowd puller.

Chithira & ChodiThe next two days of Onam are generally characterized by the ritual laying of the Pookalam, a ceremonial flower arrangement. These days also witness a lot of shopping activity, as people frequent various markets to buy new clothes and jewelry.

Vishakam & Anizham

One of the most auspicious days of Onam, Vishakam sees a lot of hustle and bustle in markets across Kerala. It also heralds the start of many Onam related competitions like the Pookalam competition. Anizham, the fifth day of Onam, kicks off the great Vallam Kali (snake boat race) in Kerala. A mock race is conducted on this day at Aranmula, as a dress-rehearsal for the famed Aranmula boat race to be held after Onam.

Thriketa & MoolamThe sixth day sees a surge in public frenzy, as most of the public offices and schools start issuing holidays.Ona Sadyas, or special buffet feasts, start on the seventh day. This day also sees myriad cultural facets of Kerala, with dances like the Puli Kali (Masked leopard dance) and Kaikotti Kali on display. Beautifully illuminated streets and fireworks light up the nights in Kerala.

Pooradam & UthradomThe eighth day features ritual washing and cleaning of Mahabali and Vamana statues, proceeded by smearing with rice-flour batter by the children of the household.The ninth day is celebrated in great grandeur and gaiety. This day is also christened 'First Onam', since it marks the descent of King Mahabali to Kerala. Preparations for the grand Onam buffet to be held the next day, are begun with great gusto in the evening.

ThiruonamThis day, also called 'Second Onam', marks the return of King Mahabali to his fabled land (Kerala), as per the boon he received from Vamana to meet his subjects and bless them. Special prayers and Masses are held in temples, churches and mosques that highlight the secular nature of festival. A larger-than-life Pookalam is created to welcome the King Mahabali.The highlight of Thiruonam is the grand Thiruona-Sadya, a sumptuous feast of epic proportions prepared by the common man. The feast is servedon plantain leaves and a mind-boggling variety of curries and miscellaneous food items (often up to 30 unique items).

Post Onam CelebrationsThe two days that follow Thiruonam are celebrated as the Third and Fourth Onam respectively.The Third Onam, called Avittom, marks the preparations of King Mahabali for his ascension to the heavens. The day is characterized by theimmersion of the Onattappan statue. The Fourth Onam, called Chatyam, is celebrated as Narayana Jayanthi, in honor of Sree Narayana Guru, an eminent social reformer of Kerala.Official government celebrations conclude on this day, with a splendid dance festival in Thiruvananthapuram.

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