Pics: Steephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 4: 'Onam', the annual Hindu festival celebrated by Malayalis the world across including Kerala where nature is worshipped, is being celebrated this year between August 25 and September 6. The main festival is on September 4.

The festival, which is celebrated to announce the arrival of harvest, also signifies the annual visit of his former kingdom by great King Mahabali, an astute devotee of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Vishnu, who pushed Mahabali down with his foot as he was harassing the gods, gave him a boon permitting him to visit his subjects once every year at his request. This day is celebrated as Thiruvonam.

Boat races, tiger dance, Pookkalm (flower decoration - Rangoli with flower petals), Onathappam, tug of war, traditional dances around lamps, visit to temples, and Sadya are integral parts of this festival. Festivities come to an end with Thiruvonam.

Sadya - a traditional meal prepared by using freshly available vegetables in various flavours, is served on this festival. The dishes, normally laid out on banana leaves, contains over two dozen dishes.

Wearing of new clothes, decorating temples with different colour and sizes of lamps, playing with swings (in rural areas) etc happen to be associated with this festival.

Most striking part of Onam happens to be Pookkalam (Rangoli) using flower petals. People skilled in drawing intricate, mega Pookkalams by weaving magic with myriad colours of flower petals, are in high demand during this festival. Girls can be seen collecting flower petals from various places well in advance for creating their own Pookkalams and in many places, competitions are arranged and best Pookalams are rewarded.