India's Mega Festival: Onam - A Celebration of Culture, Cuisine, and Community

Introduction

Let me introduce myself. I'm Abe Abrams, a food enthusiast who is always on the road in search of delicious cuisine and vibrant cultures. And my favourite destination? India! I am absolutely obsessed with this country for its vibrant colours, rich culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. India's festivals, in particular, captivated me like nothing else. The fervour and frenzy with which these festivals are celebrated are truly awe-inspiring, which is why I like to call them mega festivals.

Today, I want to take you on a journey to one of India's mega festivals, Onam. This festival is celebrated across the beautiful state of Kerala, also known as "God's own country." Onam is a grand celebration that lasts for a whopping 10 days, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a time of joy, unity, and revelry.

Onam holds a special place among India's mega festivals due to its length and significance. It is not just a one-night affair; it goes on for a full 10 days. During this time, the entire state of Kerala turns into one big party. Spectacular cultural performances, fierce competitions, and, of course, mouth-watering food are all part of the festivities.

So, join me as we dive into the vibrant world of Onam, one of India's most cherished mega festivals.

Section 1: Kerala: God's Own Country

Kerala, also known as "God's own country," is a beloved destination for travellers seeking natural beauty, serenity, and cultural experiences. Located in southern India, Kerala is famous for its lush green landscapes, picturesque backwaters, and vibrant festivals.

One of the highlights of Kerala is its backwaters, a network of interconnected lakes, rivers, and canals that stretch for over 900 kilometres. These backwaters serve as a tranquil and idyllic setting, perfect for a relaxing boat ride or a stay in a traditional houseboat. The serene atmosphere and stunning views make the backwaters a must-visit destination in Kerala.

During the grand festival of Onam, the Nehru Trophy boatRacee takescentrer stage as an exhilarating event that showcases the dedication and skills of participants. The boat race is part of the festivities that last for 10 days, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. The Nehru TrophyboatRacee involves around 100 people fitting onto a narrow snake boat, competing against each other with immense strength and teamwork.

Participants in the boat race undergo months of dedicated training, watch their diets, and even practise celibacy. Their hard work and discipline are evident in the sheer power and precision with which they row the boats. The boat race is not just a competition but a symbol of unity and pride for the participants and the entire community.

Visiting Kerala during Onam and witnessing the beauty of the backwaters and the thrilling boat races is a truly unforgettable experience. The festival showcases the rich culture and traditions of Kerala and the dedication and passion of the people involved in preserving these traditions.

Section 2: The Thrill of Boat Racing

Boat racing is one of the most thrilling aspects of the Onam festival in Kerala. As a supporter of a boat team, I had the opportunity to witness the excitement firsthand. The atmosphere is electric, with crowds of people gathered along the riverbanks, cheering for their favourite teams.

I had the chance to interview some of the participants to get a glimpse into their training regimen. These athletes dedicate months to preparing for the boat race. They undergo rigorous training, watch their diets, and even practise celibacy. Their dedication and discipline are truly admirable.

When it comes to the boat race itself, the competition is intense. Around 100 people fit onto a narrow snake boat, working together with immense strength and teamwork to propel the boat forward. The power and precision with which they row the boats is awe-inspiring.

The winning team is determined by a combination of factors. Boat decoration, quality of chanting, discipline, synchronisation, and, of course, speed all play a role in determining the winner. It's not just about crossing the finish line first; it's about showcasing the team's unity and pride.

The boat race is not just a competition; it's a celebration of Kerala's rich culture and traditions. It brings people together from all walks of life and creates a sense of community and camaraderie.

Witnessing the boat race and experiencing the thrill of the competition is truly unforgettable. It's an event that showcases the passion, dedication, and power of the participants, as well as the vibrant spirit of the Onam festival.

Section 3: Onam: A 10-Day Spectacle

Onam, one of India's megafestivals, is a grand celebration that lasts for a whopping 10 days. It is celebrated across the beautiful state of Kerala, also known as "God's own country." Onam holds a special place among India's mega festivals due to its duration and significance. It is not just a one-night affair; it goes on for a full 10 days.

During Onam, the entire state of Kerala turns into one big party. Spectacular cultural performances, fierce competitions, and, of course, mouth-watering food are all part of the festivities. The celebrations during Onam are diverse and cater to people of all ages and backgrounds.

One of the highlights of Onam is the boat races, which are a major attraction during the festival. These boat races showcase the dedication and skills of the participants. Around 100 people fit onto a narrow snake boat, competing against each other with immense strength and teamwork. The boat race is not just a competition but a symbol of unity and pride for the participants and the entire community.

In addition to the boat races, Onam also features various cultural performances, such as traditional dances like Pulikali, where men dress up as tigers and perform wild dance moves. The festivities also include music, dance, and elephant processions.

Onam is not just about cultural performances and competitions; it also has a strong culinary aspect. The Sadia, a festive banquet, is a major highlight of Onam. It consists of up to 28 dishes served on a banana leaf, showcasing the abundance and generosity associated with the festival. Traditional dishes like puttu, kadala curry, ada, and pineapple pachadi are some of the delicacies served during the Sadia.

What makes Onam truly special is the massive turnout and community participation. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate the festival. The sense of unity and camaraderie is palpable during Onam, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Section 4: Pulakali: Dancing with Tigers

Onam is not just about cultural performances and competitions; it also has a unique art form known as Pulakali, which translates to "play of tigers." Men dressed as tigers perform pulakali, a traditional dance. This dance form originated around 200 years ago when soldiers expressed a desire to celebrate Onam with a dance that reflected their wild spirit.

Pulakali dancers take on the persona of tigers, painting their entire bodies to resemble the majestic big cats. The intricate body painting process is a crucial part of the preparation for the dance. It takes approximately four hours to complete the body painting, with each dancer's body serving as a canvas for the tiger's vibrant stripes and markings.

To understand the origins and significance of Pulakali, I had the opportunity to interview some of the dancers. They explained that the dance is not just a performance but a celebration of Kerala's rich culture and traditions. It brings people together from all walks of life and creates a sense of unity and camaraderie.

Personally, I had the incredible experience of participating in Pulakali. I learned the intricate dance moves and embraced my inner tiger. It was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. The power and energy of the dance were infectious, and I could feel the connection to the centuries-old tradition.

Pulakali is one of the many highlights of Onam and adds to the festive atmosphere of the celebration. It is a unique art form that showcases the vibrant spirit and creativity of the people of Kerala. If you ever have the chance to witness or participate in Pulakali, I highly recommend embracing the opportunity. Dancing with tigers is an experience unlike any other!

Section 5: Welcoming Mahabali, the Legendary King

Let me introduce you to Mahabali, the legendary king who holds great significance in the mythology of Onam. According to the legends, Mahabali was a just and generous king who ruled over Kerala and brought prosperity to his kingdom. He was loved by his people, and his reign was marked by abundance and unity.

Every year during Onam, Mahabali is believed to visit his kingdom to check on the well-being of his people. This annual visit is a central theme of the festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.

One of the ways in which Mahabali is welcomed is through the tradition of laying out pookalams. Pookalams are intricate floral arrangements made with various colourful flowers, leaves, and petals. These beautiful designs are laid out in front of homes and temples to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for Mahabali's arrival.

Women in Kerala play a significant role in creating these large pookalams. They gather flowers from gardens and fields, carefully arranging them in stunning patterns. The efforts of these women are commendable, as they spend hours creating these intricate designs to honour and welcome Mahabali.

The tradition of laying out pookalams not only adds to the visual appeal of Onam but also symbolises unity and love for one's culture. It is a way for the people of Kerala to show their respect and gratitude towards Mahabali and their deep connection to their ancestral roots.

So, next time you witness the beautiful pookalams during Onam, remember that they are not just floral decorations but a heartfelt welcome to the legendary king Mahabali, who represents the spirit of prosperity, unity, and love.

Section 6: Onam Feast—Sadia

Now let's talk about one of the major highlights of Onam: the Sadia, a traditional Onam feast. The Sadia is a grand banquet consisting of up to 28 dishes served on a banana leaf. It is a true celebration of abundance and generosity.

During the Sadia, you will be treated to a wide variety of dishes that showcase the rich and vibrant flavours of Kerala cuisine. From traditional dishes like Puttu, Kadala Curry, Ada, and Pineapple Pachadi to a plethora of vegetarian delights, the Sadia offers something for everyone's taste buds.

One of the key ingredients in Kerala cuisine is coconut. It is used in various forms, including grated coconut, coconut milk, and coconut oil. The use of coconut adds a unique flavour and richness to the dishes. Bananas, another staple ingredient in Kerala cuisine, are also prominently featured in the Sadia. They are used in both ripe and unripe forms to add sweetness and texture to different dishes.

To truly appreciate the abundance of fresh produce used in the Sadia, I had the opportunity to visit a local market in Kochi. The market was a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling an incredible variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices. The sight and aroma of the fresh produce were simply amazing, and it gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of fresh ingredients in Kerala cuisine.

As I walked through the market, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer variety of bananas available. From small and sweet varieties to larger, starchy ones, there was a banana for every taste. I also learned that bananas play a significant role in Kerala cuisine, being used in both sweet and savoury dishes.

Overall, the Sadia is a feast for the senses. It showcases the abundance and variety of Kerala cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients like coconut and bananas. Whether you're a vegetarian or a lover of flavours, the Sadia is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling truly satisfied.

Section 7: Mega Kitchen at Trichakara Temple

Let's dive into the fascinating world of the mega kitchen at Trichakara Temple during the Onam festival. The preparation and serving of Sadia, a traditional Onam feast, is a grand affair that showcases the abundance and generosity associated with the festival.

The scale and coordination of the mega kitchen are truly impressive. The kitchen staff roasts lentils, cuts vegetables, and prepares various dishes to serve thousands of people every day. They work tirelessly to ensure that the sadia is cooked fresh and served instantly.

One of the key ingredients in Kerala cuisine is coconut, and it takes centre stage in the preparation of the sadia. Coconut is used in various forms, such as grated coconut, coconut milk, and coconut oil. The use of coconut adds a unique flavour and richness to the dishes.

Coconut oil, known for its health benefits, is widely used in Kerala cuisine. It not only enhances the taste of the food but also adds a distinct aroma. The coconut itself is a staple ingredient in Kerala cuisine and is prominently featured in the Sadia.

Community dining during Onam is of great importance. The sadia is served on a banana leaf, and people sit together to enjoy the feast. This tradition fosters a sense of unity and togetherness, as everyone starts eating at the same time and shares the delicious food.

The mega kitchen at Trichakara Temple, with its meticulous planning and well-drilled team, ensures that the Sadia is served to thousands of people without compromising on quality or taste. It is a true testament to the spirit of generosity and celebration that defines the Onam festival.

Section 8: Kalari: The Ancient Martial Art

Let's take a deep dive into the world of Kalari, an ancient martial art that holds great significance during the Onam festival. Kalari has a rich history and is deeply rooted in the culture of Kerala.

Originating on the battlefield, Kalari is believed to date back over 3,000 years. It was developed as a means of self-defence and combat training. The art form incorporates various strikes, kicks, grappling techniques, and weapons training. Kalari emphasises discipline, strength, agility, and mental focus.

During Onam, Kalari performances take centre stage, showcasing the skills and techniques of the practitioners. The performances are a blend of combat, dance, and storytelling, mesmerising the audience with their intensity and precision.

One of the highlights of Kalari during Onam is the competition known as "Kalaripayattu," where practitioners demonstrate their skills in a controlled setting. This intense display of physical prowess and agility is a sight to behold.

In addition to its physical significance, Kalari also holds cultural importance. It is considered a part of Kerala's heritage and serves as a symbol of pride for the state. The dedication and passion of the practitioners in preserving this ancient art form are commendable.

Personally, I had the incredible opportunity to witness a Kalari performance during Onam. The performers' movements were breathtaking, and their synchronised choreography was a testament to their years of training and discipline. The energy in the air was palpable, and I could feel the deep connection between the performers and the audience.

Kalari is not just a martial art; it is a form of expression and a celebration of Kerala's rich cultural heritage. If you ever get the chance to witness a Kalari performance during Onam, I highly recommend it. Prepare to be amazed by the power, grace, and artistry of this ancient martial art.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my experience of the Onam festival, I can't help but feel overwhelmed by the enriching and vibrant nature of the celebrations. From witnessing the thrilling boat races to dancing with tigers and participating in the grand feast, Onam truly encompasses the essence of Indian culture, cuisine, and community.

The generosity and warmth of the people I encountered during Onam were truly remarkable. From the boat racers who dedicated months of training and discipline to the women creating intricate pookalams, everyone came together with a sense of unity and pride. The spirit of Mahabali, the legendary king, was felt throughout the festival, symbolising prosperity, love, and unity.

Onam is not just a 10-day spectacle but a culmination of Kerala's rich traditions and heritage. The boat races, cultural performances, and the grand Sadia banquet all showcase the abundance and vibrancy of Kerala's culture. The use of coconut and bananas in the cuisine adds a unique flavour and richness to the dishes, making the Sadia a true feast for the senses.

As I immersed myself in the festivities of Onam, I couldn't help but feel a deep connection to the people and the traditions. The sense of community and camaraderie was palpable, making this Mega Festival a truly unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, Onam is not just a festival but a celebration of life, culture, and the spirit of togetherness. It is a time to embrace the traditions, indulge in delicious food, and revel in the vibrant atmosphere. If you ever have the opportunity to experience Onam, I highly recommend embracing it with open arms. It is a mega festival that will leave a lasting impression on your heart.