Onam Festival 31st August - 10th September 2012

Onam is one of the greatest festivals of Kerala. It is the festival, which the people of Kerala celebrate in unity. Onam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition.

Onam or Thiruonam originated as a joyous annual reminiscence of the golden rule of King Mahabali, a mythical king, who ruled Kerala a long time ago. It recalls the sacrifice of the great king, his true devotion to God, his human pride and his ultimate redemption. Onam welcomes the spirit of the great king, and assures him that his people are happy and wish him well. Facts and fables blend as Kerala celebrates this royal return, year after year with the festivities of Onam.

Onam is a time for sports and festivities in Kerala, where one third of the area is low lying, covered with canals, lakes and backwaters. The people take to their boats and country crafts to celebrate. Colourful aquatic festivals are organized along the sacred rive Pamba.. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala.

Watch out the best of Kerala dances during the carnival of Onam. Kummatti kali, Pulikali / Kaduvakali, Kathakali . Onam Games exhibits bravado of the machos in Kerala in a terrific manner.