Utsav.

Utsav.

Onam Celebration in Kerela


4 Photos.   

When the harvest begins to come in, it is time for celebration. In Kerala, they call it Onam. Of course, like with every other festival celebrated in India, there is also the mythological side to it.  It is believed that the demon king Mahabali who once ruled the land, visits his subjects every year around this time.

People of Kerela decorate their house and prepare good food in anticipation of the visit of the loved King. In 2025, Onam will be celebrated on 5th September.

Without traditional folk performances like Thiruvathira Kali, Pulikali (tiger dance), and Kathakali dance, Onam would not be complete.

These dance styles enthrall audiences with their colorful costumes, elaborate makeup, and exuberant performances while showcasing Kerala’s cultural diversity.

The Kathakali dance is a visual feast that tells stories of bravery and mythology via its intricate narrative and expressive gestures.

In contrast, Pulikali has artists who are painted as hunters and tigers, creating an exciting and vibrant show.

Typically on the eve of Onam, women do the elegant dance known as Thiruvathira Kali in a circle. As a reflection of the cultural heritage that has been handed down through the years, these acts capture the spirit of the event.

More than merely a harvest festival, Onam is a celebration of Kerala’s togetherness, cultural identity, and giving nature. It acts as a reminder of the virtues of humility, compassion, and community.

Must see places
Must see places. All arrangements taken care of.

You may also like:

Karma Dance, Bihar

Karma Dance, Bihar

The traditional Karma Dance gets its name from the Karma tree which stands for fortune and good luck. The dance begins with the planting of the tree, followed by circular formations around it. 
It is a group dance performed with equal number of men and women. The dancers form a two-tiered ... Read article
Gangore Festival of Haryana and Rajasthan

Gangore Festival of Haryana and Rajasthan

Gangaur festival celebrates the union of Shiva and Parvati, and the harvest season. It is celebrated in March by the women in Bhiwani, Haryana. That said, these days it also celebrated across many states in India especially Rajasthan.
Gangore is celebrated in the month of April dedicating to Goddess Gauri or ... Read article
Modhera Dance Festival

Modhera Dance Festival

The Sun Temple of Modhera is a masterpiece of the Golden Age of the Solanki Empire, which hosts the annual Dance Festival and flaunts the glory and splendor of that era. 
The Modhera Dance Festival which is also prevalently known as the "Uttarardh Mahotsavor Modhera Utsavis" is one of the most ... Read article
Lok Utsav Goa

Lok Utsav Goa

This folk festival is organized around the 2nd week of January each year and held jointly by the Goa Art & Culture and the Udaipur, Kala Academy.
A large number of folk groups from Goa perform various Goan folk dances like Ganesh Vandana, Kunbi, Jagor, Dekhani, Veerbhadra, Tonya Khel, Mussal, Lamp ... Read article
Rayalaseema Food & Dance Festival

Rayalaseema Food & Dance Festival

An important regional festival, Rayalseema Food and Dance Festival is celebrated every year in October in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. It's idea is to promote the rich heritage, art and culture of the region that dates back to more than 400 years. 
Organised by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, this festival might ... Read article
The Khajuraho Dance Festival

The Khajuraho Dance Festival

This year the Khajuraho Dance Festival will be held on 19th to 26th Feb 2025.
The Khajuraho Dance Festival began in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh which is based on the Indian classical dance tradition. 
Khajuraho Temples comes alive with splendour, beams, and the hustle-bustle of art lovers at the Festival. The festival is ... Read article
Natyanjali Dance Festival

Natyanjali Dance Festival

The spectacular annual dance festival “Natyanjali” is celebrated during the eve of Mahashivaratri in the months of February and March at Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Chidambaram is also known as the “city of the cosmic dancer “ as it is home to the “Arulmigu Thillai Natarajar Temple”, built in the 10th ... Read article
Nishagandhi festival

Nishagandhi festival

The Nishagandhi festival, a seven-day cultural fiesta is held in the Nishagandhi Auditorium on the lush grounds of Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. 
Each evening showcases various classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri, and Kuchipudi, performed by both renowned artists and emerging talents. The festival also features ... Read article