All about Onam

Onam is a special festival celebrated in the Hindu religion. It is a joyful time when people in the southern Indian state of Kerala come together to honor a kind and generous king named Mahabali. According to the story, Mahabali was a wise and fair ruler who cared for his people and made sure everyone was happy and prosperous.

To show their gratitude to King Mahabali, the people of Kerala celebrate Onam with colorful decorations, delicious food, and fun activities like boat races and dancing. One of the main traditions of Onam is creating beautiful flower arrangements called 'pookalams' to welcome the spirit of the king.

Another important part of the Onam celebration is the grand feast known as 'Onasadya', where people gather to enjoy a variety of traditional dishes served on banana leaves. Everyone wears new clothes and participates in different games and competitions during this festive time.

Overall, Onam is a time of happiness, unity, and gratitude as people come together to remember the noble king Mahabali and celebrate the spirit of giving and sharing.

  1. Why do people celebrate Onam?
  2. Who is King Mahabali and why is he important in the Onam festival?
  3. What are some of the traditions and activities during the Onam celebration?
  4. How do people show their gratitude to King Mahabali during Onam?
  5. Why is the Onasadya feast significant during the Onam festival?

Symbols and Traditions

Onam is a special festival celebrated by people in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival that marks the return of the mythical King Mahabali to visit his kingdom once every year. People celebrate Onam by decorating their homes with beautiful flower carpets called 'Pookalam' and preparing delicious feasts.

One important symbol of Onam is the 'Vallamkali' or snake boat race, where teams compete in long, narrow boats. Another symbol is the 'Thiruvathira Kali' dance performed by women in traditional attire.

People also create a design called 'Athapoo' in front of their homes using colored powders and flowers. They wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and visit temples to offer prayers during this festive time.

Onam is a time for families and friends to come together to celebrate and enjoy each other's company. It is a time of joy, happiness, and gratitude for the blessings of the harvest season.

By participating in these traditions and symbols, people in Kerala honor their culture, history, and the story of King Mahabali. Onam is a time of unity, love, and community spirit that brings people closer together.

  1. Why is Onam considered a harvest festival?
  2. What are some of the symbols of Onam?
  3. How do people celebrate Onam?
  4. Discuss the significance of the 'Vallamkali' and 'Thiruvathira Kali' in the Onam celebrations.
  5. How does Onam promote unity and community spirit among the people of Kerala?

My Family and Onam

Hi, I'm Vicky and I'm 8 years old. Today, I want to share with you about a special festival called Onam that my family celebrates. Onam is a festival from the South Indian state of Kerala. It's a harvest festival that welcomes King Mahabali back to his kingdom for a day each year.

  1. How do people decorate their homes during Onam?
  2. What is the significance of the 'Vallamkali' or snake boat race in Onam celebrations?
  3. Describe the 'Thiruvathira Kali' dance performed during Onam.
  4. What is the importance of creating 'Athapoo' designs during Onam?
  5. How do people express gratitude during the Onam festival?

Comparing Onam to another Festival

After learning all about Onam, is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Onamand think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Onam
A full set of teaching plans for Onamteaching.