🌾 Onam

  • Where: Kerala
  • When: Usually in August-September (Chingam month of Malayalam calendar)
  • Significance:
    • Onam is a harvest festival celebrated to welcome the legendary King Mahabali, whose spirit is believed to visit Kerala during this time.
    • It marks prosperity, unity, and abundance.
  • Celebrations:
    • People decorate with Pookalam (floral rangoli), prepare a grand Onam Sadhya (feast with multiple vegetarian dishes), enjoy traditional dances like Thiruvathira and Pulikali, and boat races called Vallam Kali.
  • Puja:
    • Prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu (as Vamana) and King Mahabali for blessings and prosperity.