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Rich customs, traditions and glorious bygone era is on display during the festival.
The festive spirit of grand celebrations attract the travelers from every corner of the world.
Onam starts from the first day Atham and continues for ten days till the final day called Thiru Onam.
Date of Celebration People across Kerala celebrates this festival irrespective of their caste and creed.
It falls in the month of Chingam according to the Malayalam calendar.
Legend Behind Onam According to legends, the festival celebrates the return of King Mahabali, the demon king who was the former ruler of the place.
Therefore on this auspicious occasion, people are filled with happiness and joy.
To commemorate the event, people decorate their houses for the warm welcome of god.
Preparation for the Celebrations During the Onam festival, people decorate their house with fresh flower mats, also known as 'Pookalam', to welcome the king Mahabali.
They wear new clothes and visit the temple to pay homage to the presiding deity.
Prayers are conducted and the whole ambiance is filled with enchanting of Mantras.
The festival unfolds the rich cultural heritage of Kerala through traditional dance such as Thumbi Tullal and Thiruvathirakali.
Essence of Onam The ten day festival is a time of leaving behind all tensions and worries, and get soaked in festive fervor.
It is a harvest festival which brings joy and happiness in people's life.
Have a glimpse of secular spirit when people from all sects of community celebrates the festival with much pomp and gaiety.
The festival reflects the the strong faith of Kerala people and their belief in the legendary past and power of prayers and worship.
Festival Highlights The most interesting facet of Onam is the sports activities and cultural events which are organized all over the state.
Number of sports and games events are organized to add more thrill to the festival celebrations.
Some of the major sports includes Kutukutu, Talappanthukali and combats such as Attakalam and Kayyankali.
All together these sport events are known as Onakalikal.
Onam Festival unites the people of all relgions and the whole Kerala state is seized in cultural frenzy.
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