All About Onam: Festival, Celebrations, Flowers, Offers, and More
- Abhinand PS
- Aug 17, 2024
- 4 min read
All About Onam: Festival, Celebrations, Flowers, and Offers
Introduction
Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a celebration of unity, prosperity, and cultural heritage. Marked by vibrant traditions, elaborate feasts, and decorative pookalams (floral arrangements), Onam brings people together in a joyous spirit. In this guide, we'll delve into the significance of Onam, how it is celebrated, the best Onam offers available, and creative ways to design your pookalam, including the use of artificial flowers.
About the Festival of Onam
Onam is a ten-day festival that usually falls in August or September, marking the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, whose reign was considered the golden era of Kerala. The festival symbolizes the annual visit of Mahabali from the underworld, welcomed by the people of Kerala with open arms. Onam is also celebrated as a harvest festival, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Key Highlights of Onam
Athachamayam: The festival begins with Athachamayam, a grand procession with decorated elephants, traditional music, and cultural performances.
Pookalam: Floral rangolis known as pookalams are created in homes and public spaces, symbolizing the warm welcome to King Mahabali.
Onam Sadya: A sumptuous vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, featuring over 20 dishes, including payasam (a sweet dessert).
Vallamkali: The snake boat race, known as Vallamkali, is one of the most thrilling events of Onam, attracting large crowds.
Pulikali: A folk art form where performers paint themselves like tigers and dance to traditional beats, adding color to the celebrations.
Onam Celebrations: A Closer Look
Onam is celebrated with a series of cultural events, traditional games, and family gatherings. The spirit of togetherness and the joy of sharing are central to this festival. Here’s how Onam is celebrated:
1. Pookalam Competitions
Communities and organizations hold pookalam competitions, where participants create intricate floral designs using fresh flowers or artificial flowers. These vibrant designs are an integral part of Onam celebrations.
2. Onam Sadya
The grand feast, Onam Sadya, is prepared with love and shared among family and friends. The feast includes a variety of dishes like avial, sambar, rasam, and different types of payasam.
3. Cultural Programs
Traditional dance forms like Kathakali, Thiruvathirakali, and Mohiniyattam are performed during the festival, showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
4. Vallamkali
The snake boat races are a major attraction during Onam. These races are not just a test of speed but also a display of teamwork and community spirit.
Onam Offers: Best Deals and Discounts
Onam is also a time for shopping, with many businesses offering special deals and discounts. Here’s a look at some of the best Onam offers:
Category | Offer Details | Link |
Clothing | Up to 50% off on traditional Kerala sarees and men’s dhotis. | |
Jewelry | Festive discounts on gold and diamond jewelry. | |
Home Appliances | Special Onam offers on kitchen appliances and electronics, with up to 40% off. | |
Supermarkets | Discounts on groceries and Onam Sadya ingredients. | |
Decorations | Exclusive deals on pookalam flowers, including artificial flowers. |
Onam Flowers: Traditional and Artificial Pookalam Designs
The pookalam is one of the most beautiful aspects of Onam. Traditionally made with fresh flowers, these intricate designs are placed at the entrance of homes to welcome guests. However, using artificial flowers has become increasingly popular, offering a sustainable and long-lasting alternative.
Why Choose Artificial Flowers for Pookalam?
Longevity: Unlike fresh flowers that wilt quickly, artificial flowers maintain their vibrant look throughout the festival.
Cost-Effective: Artificial flowers can be reused, making them a more economical choice in the long run.
Variety: They come in various colors and designs, allowing for more creativity in pookalam designs.
Convenience: Artificial flowers are easy to store and can be used year after year without the need for daily replacement.
Tips for Creating an Artificial Pookalam
Choose a Theme: Start by deciding on a theme or color scheme for your pookalam.
Layering: Use layers of different colored flowers to create depth and dimension in your design.
Accessories: Enhance your pookalam with diyas (lamps), candles, or other decorative items.
Frame It: Consider using a circular or square frame to keep the flowers in place and create a clean design.
Where to Buy Artificial Flowers for Onam Pookalam
When shopping for artificial flowers, it’s important to find high-quality options that mimic the look of fresh flowers. Here are some recommended online stores:
Store | Product Range | Link |
Amazon | Wide variety of artificial flowers in different colors and sizes. | |
Flipkart | Affordable artificial flowers with fast delivery options. | |
FlowerAura | Specializes in artificial flower arrangements and decorative pieces. | |
Utsav Fashion | High-quality artificial flowers and garlands, ideal for traditional decor. |
Conclusion
Onam is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and the values of unity and prosperity. Whether you’re participating in the traditional festivities or simply enjoying the festive offers, Onam brings joy and togetherness. This year, consider adding a modern twist to your celebrations with artificial pookalams, which combine tradition with sustainability. Happy Onam!
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Onam?Onam marks the homecoming of King Mahabali and is celebrated as a harvest festival, symbolizing prosperity and unity.
2. How is Onam celebrated?Onam is celebrated with pookalams, traditional feasts (Onam Sadya), cultural programs, and events like the snake boat race.
3. Are there any special offers during Onam?Yes, many retailers offer discounts on clothing, jewelry, home appliances, and more during Onam.
4. Can I use artificial flowers for pookalam?Yes, artificial flowers are a popular choice for pookalam as they last longer and can be reused.
5. Where can I buy artificial flowers for Onam?You can purchase artificial flowers from online stores like Amazon, Flipkart, FlowerAura, and Utsav Fashion.
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