New Delhi: Onam stands out as one of Kerala's most splendid festivals, brimming with both religious and cultural significance, celebrated with immense splendor. This annual festivity stretches from late August to early September and holds a global resonance among the Kerala community, commemorating the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. This year, Onam festivities began on August 20 with Thiruvonam falling on August 31.
If you want to pay a visit to Kerala during this time, here are the 5 places that you must visit:
1. Thripunithura:
Thripunithura, once serving as the former capital of Kochi, has emerged as an exceptional destination in Kerala to fully embrace the grandeur of the Onam festival. The festivities unfurls at Thripunithura with a remarkable cultural gala known as Athachamayam. This event commences the Onam celebrations, featuring an awe-inspiring procession, Athachamayam, showcasing embellished elephants, dances, music, floats, and the entire spectrum of Kerala's artistic expressions.
2. Thrikkakara:
An absolute must-visit during the Onam celebrations is the Thrikkakara Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu's Vamana avatar. This temple is believed to be the birthplace of the Onam festival. The festivities at Thrikkakara Temple begin on Atham day with a special flag hoisting ceremony. The revelries continue for the following nine days, characterized by cultural presentations, musical performances, and dance events. The Pakalpooram, occurring the day before Thiruvonam, adds another layer of fascination to this temple.
3. Thrissur:
To immerse oneself in the exuberant Onam atmosphere, Thrissur is a popular destination. Here, an electrifying Kerala art form, Pulikali or the Tiger Dance, captivates the audience. The enthralling Pulikali features men adorned as tigers, emulating the big cats' movements in harmony with the rhythmic beats of percussion music.
4. Trivandrum:
Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, stands as another prime location to revel in the Onam festivities. The city comes alive with illuminated decorations spanning ten days, representing an array of cultural engagements. The celebrations include Pookalam contests (floral carpet designs), stage performances, dance competitions, folk arts showcases, handicraft expos, food stalls, and more, hosted across approximately twenty venues throughout the city.
5. Aranmula:
Among the captivating events of the Onam revelry, the snake boat races hold a special allure. The Aranmula Uthrittathi Boat Race, a renowned aquatic extravaganza, takes place annually along the banks of the River Pamba during the Onam festival. For an exhilarating experience, Aranmula, a picturesque village in Pathanamthitta district, beckons you to witness this thrilling spectacle.