Kerala’s indoor Onam
Why is it in News?
- Kerala CM called for indoor celebration of Onam festival.
Onam festival:
- It is a 10 days harvest festival of Kerala.
- The main temple festival for Onam is held at the Vamana Moorthy temple in Thrikkakara.
- Athachamayam procession and the iconic Onam Sadhya (feast) are major celebrations of festival.
- Legend:
(1) Thrikkakara is considered the abode of Mahabali.
(2) It is said that the temple is at the site where king Mahabali was sent to Patala (the underworld) by Lord Vamana, with his foot.
- Athachamayam procession :
(1) Procession witnesses all folk art forms from Pulikkali, Theyyam, Mayilattom to classical art forms like Kathakali.
- Pulikkali:
(1) It is a colourful tiger dance at Thrissur.
(2) Tiger faces and yellow & black strips like tiger on human body is painted.
- A boat race, traditionally known as Vallam Kali in Malayalam, is a form of canoe racing integral to Onam celebrations.