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Festivals of Kerala
India is a land of fairs and festivals and Kerala is no exception to this. Besides the major festivals that are celebrated across India, there are numerous local festivals that are highly observed in Kerala. Most of the festivals of Kerala are connected with local traditions and religions, and are crucial to the social and cultural structure. There are certain festivities like the boat races, which originated to commemorate religious events but subsequently turned out to be events of social importance.
Onam Festival is the most important festival of Kerala. It is a bright and colourful festival that celebrates the bounties of nature and a year of good harvest. The festival stretches about ten days in the malayalam calendar month “Chingam” (August or September in English Calendar). Onam days are filled with feasting, boat racing, singing and dancing. Rituals along with new clothes, traditional cuisine, dance, and music mark this a complete harvest festival.
Onam is celebrated in the honor of the ancient king Mahabali. The occasion also heralds the harvest season. The decorating of houses with carpets of flowers, a sumptuous lunch and songs in praise of the golden reign of Mahabali, mark the ten day long festivities. A major attraction of the Onam celebrations is famed snake boat races along the backwaters at Alappuzha (Nehru Trophy), Champakulam and Aranmula (Pampa River)
River Pampa comes alive with decorated floats and water sports on the eve of Onam festival in kerala. Women wear new saris and make elaborate rangolis, pookkalam (floral decoration) in front of their homes.. The celebrations begin 10 days before Thiruonam. The festivities end in a spectacular display of fireworks.