ONAM | IAS GYAN

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Context: The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Onam.

Details:

Celebrated to mark the harvesting of crops, Onam is an occasion to respect the hard work of our farmers and to express our gratitude towards Mother Nature.
People of Kerala have preserved their rich cultural heritage. This festival is also an opportunity for them, to promote mutual cooperation and harmony.
Onam is a major harvest festival in Kerala and is celebrated to honour the home-coming of Asura king Mahabali who brought about peace and prosperity in Kerala.
It is one of the three major festivals of Kerala, celebrated during the month of Chingam, the first month in the Malayalam calendar, Kollavarsham.
The other two major festivals of the state are Vishu and Thiruvathira.
The 10-day harvest festival begins on Atham (first day of Onam) and concludes on Thiruvonam (last day).
Onam is celebrated by making Pookkalam (the flower rangolis). Other rituals are also performed which includes-Vallam Kali (the boat races), Pulikali (the tiger dances), Kummattikali (mask dances), Onathallu (martial arts), among others.
The main attraction is the traditional Onam sadhya (grand feast).