Onam Festival in Kerala 2010 - Thiruonam Celebrations
Onam is the most popular festivals celebrated in Kerala, India. Onam is a ten day annual festival celebrated all over Kerala, during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August – September). Onam festival marks the homecoming of King Mahabali or Maveli, a benevolent Asura King who ruled Kerala long time ago. The Kerala Onam Festival 2010 is on 23rd August 2010.
Onam celebrations start 10 days prior to the Thiruonam day. This year Onam festivities start on 13th August 2010 with Tripunithura Athachamayam and the festival is linked to many elements of Kerala’s culture and tradition. People all over Kerala draws flower carpets (locally known as Pookalam, attapookalam, onapookalam) in front of their house on all the 10 days of the festival to welcome King Mahabali. Almost all peoples of Kerala buy onakkodi (new dresses) and prepare Onasadhya (Onam Sadhya) – a feast which is quite elaborate to show their happiness.
The Onam festival season is considered as “Tourist Week” by Kerala Government to welcome national and international tourists to the state. Several cultural programs are held in various places of the state. The Vallamkali (the snake boat race) is a major event to watch during Onam festival. Aranmula Boat Race and the Nehru Trophy Boat Race are held during Onam. Traditional games of Kerala such as Onakalikal, Kummattikali, Kayyankali, Attakalam, Kutukutu (Kerala version of Kabaddi), Pulikali (Kaduvakali), Kaikottikali, Ambeyyal, and Thumbi Thullal are held locally at different places.
Read more about Onam Festival 2010 in Kerala here
http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2009/08/onam-festival-in-kerala-thiruonam-2009.html