Kerala, part of South India, is popularly known as God’s Own Country. Hailing from this state, I would have several reasons to justify the saying. Although today is Onam - one of the most popular festivals of Kerala, I would love to pitch in a rare picture of Onam as a festival of tradition.
The history and story behind the Onam celebration revolve around two main characters, the Mahabali and Vamana. Mahabali, the exemplary king is given the most important when talking about Onam. Since the olden days, it is believed that Mahabali comes to visit his people, during Onam and spread love and fortune. To welcome the glorious King, the people of Kerala arrange the Pookalam, with beautiful flowers and creative designs for which Onam is known.
Yet, another tradition of Onam is the character “Onapottan”. As each part of Kerala have unique traditions, this is something special about the Malabar part of Kerala. In simple words, Onappottan is a folk character who signifies the festivities of Onam. People dressed up as Onapottan comes to homes with a bell in hand, as the name suggests, they do not speak ( Pottan ).
Onapookalam being a very common sight, I thought of introducing this particular ritual of the North Malabar, with Onapottan to focus. And yes, he visited my home for this rainy Onam of 2022, the picture attached!
I really like the colorfull and cultural Onam festival of Kerala. I really want to join the celebration of Onam with my Local Guides friends @CreativeCreature
Happy Onam, @CreativeCreature ! I have never heard of this tradition before. But reading your post I can bet this is a great fun day. Hope you enjoyed yourself. It is said that no festivals are complete without good food. Does Onam have any specific food serving or what do you usually make for Onam? Please share some photos of the food as well. I loved that little kid’s photo with golden beard. I am guessing that’s a part of tradition too to dress like Onapottan. Is that so?
Hi @TusharSuradkar , thanks for your comment out on my post here. Glad that you are aware of Kerala and it’s tradition. So, about this Bamboo umbrella, it is indeed the traditional form of umbrella, used in the olden days. So, Onam being the festival celebrated since then, the umbrella is also carried forward. Not only Onapottan, even people who dress up as Mahabali comes with the same property.
Hi @SoniaK , glad that you have come across my Onam post. And yes, as you said, what fun without food! For Onam, we have Onasadhya, served in tender banana leaves, with a lot of items and the mandatory payasams. Although, I missed to click a full picture of my Onasadhya of this year, here is a generic pic of how grand, colorful and tasty it is :
