Traditional Onam Rituals

• Of all the traditions, the Ona- pooklam, which are the designer flower carpets and Ona-sadya, the great Onam feast with 13 essential dishes are the most famous and religiously followed functions.
• Athachamayam is the grand procession that marks the beginning of Onam and is a majestic procession of pomp and splendor having decorated elephants, folk presentation, dance and music.
• Kaikotti Kali is specific dance form played out by women dressed in traditional wear.
• Thumbi thullal is a folk dance performed by the women.
• Pulikkali is an amusing dance played by the men dressed up as leopards colored in yellow with black spots all over their body.
• Uthradathi Vallamkali is a snake boat race organized with much fervor and zeal; it is extremely competitive.
• Onakodi are new clothes gifted among loved ones to celebrate onam.
• Onam is the only time of the year when most keralites are decked out in traditional Kerala wear.
• Onam –payasams are delicious desserts prepared for these occasions.