After a two-year delay due to the pandemic, Kerala is ready to celebrate Onam with vigour!
Onam is a famous harvest festival celebrating the return of the legendary demon King Mahabali. The 10 sunny days are a festival so unique and dear to God’s own land that they are remarkably contagious throughout the nation, outside of Kerala, and even abroad.
When you think of Onam, images of yellow and orange gendas, softly lighted diyas, and the mouthwatering Onam Sadhya overwhelm your senses. Onam is much more, though, according to the select few who know its significance and have participated in the genuine celebrations connected with the 10-day period.
Every traveller should include experiencing authentic Onam in person on their bucket list (a huge shout-out to cultural enthusiasts and photographers who revel in the richness of local cultures and their people).
Kerala Tourism is prepared to bring lively celebrations to the streets and homes of Kerala with carnivals, arts and artforms, and a showcase of the rich and ancient traditions associated with the festival after keeping Onam low-key for two years due to the pandemic.
Inviting tourists and those who would like to witness and partake in the celebrations, Sri Rupesh Kumar, Responsible Tourism Mission Coordinator, Government of Kerala says, “The Responsible Tourism Mission is providing an opportunity for tourists to be a part of Onam celebrations in villages too. There is also an opportunity to have Onam Sadya in the local homes. Kerala Tourism is organizing a wide range of Onam celebration programs in all the district centres. Onam procession will be resumed as a grand celebration in Thiruvananthapuram and the champions boat league was announced by Hon’ble Tourism Minister Mr. P.A. Muhammad Riaz.”
The building of Pookalam on Atham, the first day, is just one example of how large-than-life Onam’s old customs can be seen in every Keralan street and neighbourhood.
With every day that passes, the atmosphere is infused with contagious enthusiasm, a riot of colours, Pookamal face-offs, dances, regional theatre, and music. The ancient tiger dance is performed during the Puli Kali dances, which take place on the fourth day of Onam and are a photographer’s and spectator’s delight.
Day five’s 400-year-old customary snake boat racing has long staked a spot on the global map of unique picture ops and cultural celebrations!
Then, on Day 6, the day of Carnival, one of many cultural gatherings featuring the performance and visual arts from all facets of Kerala’s social, cultural, and political life.
culminating in the exchanging of farm products and presents, and the Onam Sadhya, a food festival with over 25 traditional dishes that close the celebrations with hopes for a new cycle of harvest.
There is no other way to genuinely experience the exoticism and delight of Onam but to fully immerse oneself in the festivities.
Our favourite location to celebrate Onam? Kochi
What restaurants serve Onam Sadhya? East Indies and without a doubt stop by History, Brunton Boatyard for a delicious supper. The menu features 32 dishes from all the communities that have called Kochi home.
Hotels CGH Earth – Experience
CGH Earth was founded on the principle that “God lies in the details, waiting to be discovered,” and its key principles of environmental sensitivity, community benefit, and locality have served as a steadfast compass ever since.
The selection of 16 distinctly varied vacation resorts and 4 carefully curated wellness retreats are inspired by the local population’s wisdom and way of life. You receive local culture, people, food, clothes, knowledge, tradition, and customs intertwined with the demands of the sophisticated visitor of today.
This strategy offers the visitor an immersive and genuine experience that helps them get a real sense of the place. The team believed that the concepts and customs that had always been unique to them now constituted the essence of each resort. Local villagers marvel at the fact that our unique guest experiences are at the core of their culture’s architecture, traditions, and customs. And even after thirty years, CGH Earth continues to inspire awe in visitors, employees, and locals alike.
In Kerala, there are a number of attractions to choose from, including Spice Village, Wayanad Wild, Coconut Lagoon, Spice Coast Cruises, Marari Beach Resort, Brunton Boatyard, Chittoor Kottaram, Eighth Bastion, Beach Gate Bungalows, David Hall art gallery and cafe, Casino Hotel, and Quiet by the River.
Tamil Nadu is home to Visalam and Mantra Koodam. Pondicherry’s Maison Perumal and Palais de Mahe. In the Andaman Islands, Tilar Siro.
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