INDOFEST

Onam:

Onam commemorates the return of the generous daitya king Mahabali after he was banished to the netherworld by Vamana (the fifth avatar of Hindu deity Vishnu)According to the Hindu legends, after Indra (the king of the devas) is defeated by Mahabali (the king of the asuras), the devas ultimately seek refuge in Vishnu, who agrees to restore Indra to power. To do so, Vishnu incarnates as a dwarf priest called Vamana. The king Mahabali (himself a devotee of Vishnu) conducts ritual prayers, one of which is attended by Vamana, who requests only three feet (steps) of land to build a fire-altar. Mahabali agrees, despite being told about Vamana's divine nature by the sage Shukra. Vamana grows in size, and in three strides, encompasses all of the universe and beyond. The three worlds are restored to Indra, and Mahabali and the asuras are banished to the netherworld (Patala). However, witnessing Mahabali's love for his subjects, Vamana grants the king's sole wish to visit his kingdom once every year. This homecoming of Mahabali is celebrated as Onam in Kerala every year.

The earliest known reference to the word Onam as a celebration is found in Maturaikkāñci – a Sangam era Tamil poem from the 3rd century CE. It mentions a festival called Onam being celebrated in dedication to Mayon (Vishnu) in Madurai, when games and duels were held in temple premises, oblations were sent to the temples, people wore new clothes and feasted. The 8th-century Alvar mystic saint Nammalvar mentions of the one who measured the three worlds, a parallel to the legend of Mahabali and Vamana. The 9th-century Pathikas and Pallads by Periyalvar describes Onam celebrations and offerings to Vishnu, mentions feasts and community events. An 11th-century inscription in the Thrikkakara Temple (Kochi) dedicated to Vamana – an avatar of Vishnu – mentions a series of offerings made by a votary over two days prior and on Thiru Onam.

best place to visit:

1. Thiruvananthapuram

Onam is celebrated in Thiruvananthapuram with music, dance, light shows, and processions. The celebrations take place at Kanakakkunnu Palace, PMG junction, and other locations.
Celebrations Kanakakkunnu Palace
The palace and its grounds are the center of Onam celebrations, with music concerts, dances, and light and sound shows.
PMG junction
Thousands of people gather at PMG junction to see the streets lit up from East Fort to Vellayambalam.
Procession
The week-long celebrations end with a procession that includes artforms, masquerades, performances, and floats. Other Onam celebrations


• Manaveeyam Veedhi is a stage for young artists to perform.
• The Kerala Tourism Department hosts Onam celebrations in all districts of Kerala, including tourist spots like dams.
• Onakkoottayma is Kerala's biggest Onam festival, held at Kanakakkunnu Palace.
Festival significance:
Onam is a harvest festival that marks the return of King Mahabali and the end of the monsoon. It's a time of joy and prosperity.

2. Thrissur

The Onam festival in Thrissur, Kerala is celebrated with colorful folk art performances, including Pulikali (Tiger Dance) and Kummattikali (Mask Dance).

• Pulikali (Tiger Dance)
A vibrant folk art form that takes place on the fourth day of Onam Artists paint their bodies with stripes of red, yellow, and black to look like tigers
They dance to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments like udukku, thakil, and chenda The main theme is tiger hunting, with participants playing the roles of tigers and hunters The event takes place at Swaraj Ground in Thrissur district
• Kummattikali (Mask Dance)
A colorful mask dance that takes place in Thrissur, Palakkad, and parts of South Malabar Performers wear masks and costumes made from parpataka grass, or kummatti grass They sing and dance while moving through alleys and from house to house Performers take on the roles of gods, humans, and animals, such as Shiva, Brahma, Rama, Krishna, Ganesha, and more



How to visit Thiruvananthapuram

1. Flight:
   Nearest airport:
   Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) International Airport (TRV)
2. Railway:
   Nearest railway station:
   Trivandrum Central Railway Station

How to visit Thrissur

1. Flight:
   Nearest airport:
   Cochin International Airport (COK) in Nedumbassery
2. Railway:
   Nearest railway station:
   Railway Station Thrissur