Onam Kerala Harvest Festival – Snake Boat Races, Indian Culture and Pookalam!

Onam Kerala Harvest Festival is one of the most special events in the Indian state of Kerala (in southwestern India). This 10-day harvest celebration also celebrates the annual return of the spirit of the great king of King Mahabali and takes place in August or September according to the Malayalee calendar.

The Kerala Harvest Festival is celebrated across the state and while heavily influenced by Hindu mythology, local Christian and Muslim populations also take part, making it a celebration of local unity and community.

Onam is known for the traditional sports and activities that take place over the 10 days, the most famous sport being the Snake Boat races. These ships commemorate the Legend of the Missing Child and have assumed even greater importance since Prime Minister Nehru instituted a special trophy. Each boat has a crew of 150 men and the rowers are accompanied by traditional singers who help the rowers keep time.

In addition to sports traditions, one of the most impressive traditions in the construction of the Pookalam, a spectacular decoration made of flowers that is displayed in the front yard of multi-family houses. More flowers are added every day and the design becomes more intricate and detailed.

The third great tradition of Onam is the great festival known as Onasadya. Food is traditionally served sitting on the ground with banana leaves as dishes. Please note that this meal is traditionally strictly vegetarian. Meat eaters, get your fix another time!

Onam food traditionally consists of 11 required dishes, although most people serve at least 13. If it seems like too much food, be thankful that it was cut down from the 64 original dishes that were required.