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Jishnu R

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Onam From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve...

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<span dir="auto">Onam</span></h1>
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</div>
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</td><td class="mbox-text" style="border: none; padding: 0.25em 0.5em; width: 537.21875px;"><span class="mbox-text-span">This article <b>needs additional citations for verification</b>. <span class="hide-when-compact">Please help <a class="external text" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Onam&action=edit" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 13px; padding-top: 0px !important; text-decoration: none;">improve this article</a> by<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Introduction_to_referencing/1" style="background-image: none !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; color: #0b0080; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: none;" title="Help:Introduction to referencing/1">adding citations to reliable sources</a>. Unsourced material may be <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Citation_needed" style="background-image: none !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; color: #0b0080; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: none;" title="Template:Citation needed">challenged</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Burden_of_evidence" style="background-image: none !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; color: #0b0080; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: none;" title="Wikipedia:Verifiability">removed</a>.</span><small><i>(September 2013)</i></small></span></td></tr>
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<tr><th class="hd" colspan="2" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">Onam</th></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E0%B4%93%E0%B4%A3%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%82%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%B3%E0%B4%82.jpg" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Onam"><img alt="Onam" height="169" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/%E0%B4%93%E0%B4%A3%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%82%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%B3%E0%B4%82.jpg/225px-%E0%B4%93%E0%B4%A3%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%82%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%B3%E0%B4%82.jpg" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/%E0%B4%93%E0%B4%A3%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%82%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%B3%E0%B4%82.jpg/338px-%E0%B4%93%E0%B4%A3%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%82%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%B3%E0%B4%82.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/%E0%B4%93%E0%B4%A3%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%82%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%B3%E0%B4%82.jpg/450px-%E0%B4%93%E0%B4%A3%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%82%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%B3%E0%B4%82.jpg 2x" style="border: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="225" /></a><br /><div>
Pookalam</div>
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<tr><th scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;">Official name</th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayalam_language" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Malayalam language">Malayalam</a>: <span lang="ml" xml:lang="ml">ഓണം</span></td></tr>
<tr><th scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;">Observed by</th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kerala">Malayali</a></td></tr>
<tr><th scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest_Festival" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Harvest Festival">Harvest Festival</a>/<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_India" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Public holidays in India">Indian festival</a></td></tr>
<tr><th scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;">Significance</th><td style="vertical-align: top;">On Thiruvonam,</td></tr>
<tr><th scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;">Date</th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shravana" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Shravana">Thiruvonam</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakshatra" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Nakshatra">Nakshatra</a> in the month of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chingam" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Chingam">Chingam</a></td></tr>
<tr><th scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;">2013 date</th><td style="vertical-align: top;">16 September</td></tr>
<tr><th scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;">Observances</th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadya" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Sadya">Sadya</a>, <i>Thiruvathira Kali</i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puli_Kali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Puli Kali">Puli Kali</a>, <i>Pookalam</i>, <i>Ona-thallu</i>, Thrikkaakarayappan, Onappottan, Thumbi thullal, Onavillu, Kazhchakkula in<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guruvayur" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Guruvayur">Guruvayur</a>, Athachamayam in<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrippunithura" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Thrippunithura">Thrippunithura</a> and Vallam kali (Boat race).</td></tr>
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<b>Onam</b> (<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayalam_language" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Malayalam language">Malayalam</a>: <span lang="ml" xml:lang="ml">ഓണം</span>) is a festival celebrated by the people of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kerala">Kerala</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="India">India</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[1]</a></sup> It is also the <b>Harvest Festival</b> of Kerala with State holidays on 4 days starting from Onam Eve (Uthradom) to the fourth Onam Day. It is also a secular festival, celebrated by people of all religions and castes with the same zeal <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:1_2-0" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:1-2" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:2_3-0" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:2-3" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></sup>. The festival falls during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayalam_calendar" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Malayalam calendar">Malayalam month</a> of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of the mythical King <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mahabali">Mahabali</a>who Malayalees consider as their King. Onam is reminiscent of Kerala's agrarian past, as it is considered to be a harvest festival <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-4" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-4" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[4]</a></sup>. Also, it is one of the very few festivals that is celebrated with most number of cultural elements such as Vallam Kali, Pulikkali, Pookkalam, Onatthappan, Thumbi Thullal, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onavillu" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Onavillu">Onavillu</a>, Kazhchakkula, Athachamayam etc.</div>
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Contents</h2>
 <span class="toctoggle" style="-webkit-user-select: none; font-size: 11px;"> [<a class="internal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#" id="togglelink" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">hide</a>] </span></div>
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<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-1" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Significance" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">Significance</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-2" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Onam_Rituals" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">2</span> <span class="toctext">Onam Rituals</span></a><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2em; padding: 0px;">
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-3" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Pookalam" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">2.1</span> <span class="toctext">Pookalam</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-4" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#The_Ten_Days_of_Celebration" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">2.2</span> <span class="toctext">The Ten Days of Celebration</span></a><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2em; padding: 0px;">
<li class="toclevel-3 tocsection-5" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Post_Onam_celebrations" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">2.2.1</span> <span class="toctext">Post Onam celebrations</span></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-6" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#The_legend" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">3</span> <span class="toctext">The legend</span></a><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2em; padding: 0px;">
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-7" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Mahabali_conquers_the_three_worlds" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">3.1</span> <span class="toctext">Mahabali conquers the three worlds</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-8" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Vamana_visits_Mahabali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">3.2</span> <span class="toctext">Vamana visits Mahabali</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-9" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Mahabali.27s_reign_ends" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">3.3</span> <span class="toctext">Mahabali's reign ends</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-10" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Vishnu.27s_blessings" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">3.4</span> <span class="toctext">Vishnu's blessings</span></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-11" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Alternate_Legend" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">4</span> <span class="toctext">Alternate Legend</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-12" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Onam_legacy" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">5</span> <span class="toctext">Onam legacy</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-13" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#Onam_activities" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">6</span> <span class="toctext">Onam activities</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-14" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#References" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="tocnumber">7</span> <span class="toctext">References</span></a></li>
</ul>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Significance">Significance</span></h2>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. Kerala's rice <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest_festival" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Harvest festival">harvest festival</a> and the Festival of Rain Flowers, which fall on the Malayalam month of Chingam, celebrates the Asura King Mahabali's annual visit from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patala" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Patala">Patala</a> (the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underworld" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Underworld">underworld</a>). Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the people of Kerala since prehistory.The King is so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily. It is in honour of King Mahabali that Onam is celebrated. The diety Vamana, also called Onatthappan <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:8_5-0" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:8-5" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></sup>, is also revered during this time by installing a clay figure next to the floral carpet (Pookalam) .The birthday of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmanabhaswamy_Temple" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Padmanabhaswamy Temple">Sri Padmanabhan</a>, the presiding Deity of Thiruvananthapuram, is on the Thiruvonam day in the month of Chingam. </div>
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Mahabali's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala. The following song is often sung over Onam:</div>
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<br />Maveli nadu vaneedum kalam,<br />manusharellarum onnupole<br />amodhathode vasikkum kalam<br />apathangarkkumottillathanum<br />kallavum illa chathiyumilla<br />ellolamilla polivachanam<br />kallapparayum cherunazhiyum<br />kallatharangal mattonnumilla<br />adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla<br />balamaranangal kelppanilla</div>
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... (Translation)</div>
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<br />When Maveli ruled the land,<br />All the people were equal.<br />And people were joyful and merry;<br />They were all free from harm.<br />There was neither anxiety nor sickness,<br />Deaths of children were unheard of,<br />There were no lies,<br />There was neither theft nor deceit,<br />And no one was false in speech either.<br />Measures and weights were right;<br />No one cheated or wronged his neighbor.<br />When Maveli ruled the land,<br />All the people formed one casteless races</div>
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The beauty of the festival lies in its secular fabric. People of all religions, castes and communities celebrate the festival with equal joy and verve. Onam also helps to create an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood by way of various team sports organised on the day<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:1_2-1" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:1-2" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:2_3-1" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:2-3" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></sup>. </div>
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The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten-day festival. The central feature of Onam is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruvonam. It is a nine-course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Onam_Rituals">Onam Rituals</span></h2>
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</td><td class="mbox-text" style="border: none; padding: 0.25em 0.5em; width: 537.21875px;"><span class="mbox-text-span">This section <b>does not <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources" style="background-image: none !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; color: #0b0080; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: none;" title="Wikipedia:Citing sources">cite</a> any <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability" style="background-image: none !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; color: #0b0080; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: none;" title="Wikipedia:Verifiability">references or sources</a></b>. <span class="hide-when-compact">Please help improve this section by<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Introduction_to_referencing/1" style="background-image: none !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; color: #0b0080; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: none;" title="Help:Introduction to referencing/1">adding citations to reliable sources</a>. Unsourced material may be challenged and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Burden_of_evidence" style="background-image: none !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; color: #0b0080; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: none;" title="Wikipedia:Verifiability">removed</a>.</span><small><i>(August 2013)</i></small></span></td></tr>
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The 10 day festival starts off with Atthachamayam (The Royal Parade on Atham Day) in <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrippunithara" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Thrippunithara">Thripunithara</a> (a suburb of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kochi" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kochi">Kochi</a> City) <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:4_6-0" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:4-6" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a></sup>. The parade is colourful and depicts all the elements of Kerala culture with more than 50 floats and 100 tableaux. The main center of festival is at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrikkakara_Temple" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Thrikkakara Temple">Thrikkakara temple</a> within <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kochi" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kochi">Kochi</a> City, believed to be the ancient capital of King <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mahabali">Mahabali</a>. The Temple festival also marks the start of Onam.</div>
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The ten days of Onam are celebrated with great fanfare, by Malayalees. Of all these days, most important ones are the first day, Atham and the last or tenth day, Thiru Onam.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Pookalam">Pookalam</span></h3>
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The celebrations of Onam start on Atham day, 10 days before Thiruvonam. The 10 days are part of the traditional Onam celebrations and each day has its own importance in various rituals and traditions. Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mahabali">Mahabali</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vamana" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Vamana">Vamana</a> are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house and beautifully decorated with flowers. The floral carpet, known as ‘Onapookkalam’<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:6_7-0" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:6-7" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:8_5-1" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:8-5" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></sup>, is made out of the gathered blossoms with one or two varieties of foliage of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to serve the decorator's purpose. It is considered a work of art accomplished with a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending. (In a similar manner North Indians make something called "Rangoli" which is made of powders of various colors.) When completed, a miniature pandal, hung with little festoons is erected over it. Traditionally, Atthapookalams (pookalam made on the Atham day) included flowers endemic to Kerala and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dasapushpam" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Dasapushpam">Dashapushpam</a> (10-flowers), but nowadays all varieties of flowers are used <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-8" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-8" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[8]</a></sup>.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="The_Ten_Days_of_Celebration">The Ten Days of Celebration</span></h3>
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<b>1. Atham</b> The first day of Onam Celebrations starts with Atham day in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayalam_calendar" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Malayalam calendar">Malayalam month</a> of Chingam. It is believed that King Mahabali starts his preparations to descend from Pathala to Kerala on this day. The day also marks the start of festivities at<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrikkakara_Temple" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Thrikkakara Temple">Thrikkakara temple</a> (considered as the abode of Mahabali). The Onam celebrations across the state, starts off with a grand procession at Thrippunithura near Kochi called Atthachamayam. In olden days, the Kochi Maharaja used to head a grand military procession in full ceremonial robes from his palace to the Thrikkakara temple <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:4_6-1" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:4-6" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a></sup>. After independence, the public took over the function and celebrated as a major cultural procession which kicks off the official celebrations of Onam. Elephant processions, folk art presentations, music and dancing make <i><b>Athachamyam</b></i> a spectacular event which is now aggressively promoted as a tourist event. The traditional ritual of laying Pookalam (floral carpet) starts on Atham day. The size of pookkalam on this day is called as Athapoo and is small in size. This will grow in size day after day. Only yellow flowers will be used on this day and the design will be simple. Also,the statues of Mahabali and Vamana will be installed at the entrance of each house on this day.</div>
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<b>2. Chithira</b> The second day is marked off when a second layer is added to pookkalam design with 2 different colours apart from yellow (mostly orange and creamy yellow). On this day, people start cleaning the household to prepare for the Thiruvonam day.</div>
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<b>3.Chodhi</b> The third day of Onam Celebrations.The pookalam now will start growing in its size by adding new layers or designs with at least 4 to 5 different flowers. The day also marks the start of shopping activities. Onam is associated with gifting new clothes, hence from this day onwards people start buying new clothes and jewellery.</div>
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<b>4.Vishakam</b> The fourth day of Onam Celebrations.Vishakam is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of Onam. In olden days, the markets open their harvest sale on this day, making one of the busiest days in the markets for public. Today Vishakam marks the start of many Onam-related competitions like Pookalam competitions etc.</div>
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<b>5.Anizham</b> The fifth day of Onam Celebrations, Snake Boats get ready to race in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aranmula_Boat_Race" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Aranmula Boat Race">Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali</a>. Anizham is one of the most important day in the Onam days as it kicks off the great Vallam Kali (Snake boat) at many parts of Kerala. A mock Vallam Kali is conducted on this day at Aranmula as a dress-rehearsal for the famed Aranmula boat race which will be held after Onam.</div>
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<b>6.Thriketa</b> The sixth day of Onam Celebrations. By the sixth day, the public frenzy starts building up. Most of the schools and public offices give holiday from this day onwards and people start packing their bags to their native homes to celebrate the festival with their dear ones. The pookalam design will be very large by this time, with at least 5 to 6 new flowers types added to the original designs.</div>
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<b>7.Moolam</b> The seventh day of Onam Celebrations. On the seventh day, the smaller versions of traditional Ona Sadya (Onam special buffet lunch) start in many places. Most of the temples offers special sadhyas on from this day. Festivities include Puli Kali (Masked leopard dance) and traditional dance forms like Kaikotti Kali also performed in various functions. The official Government celebrations start on this day with heavy illuminations in Thiruvananthapuram City, Kochi city and Kozhikode along with fireworks.</div>
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<b>8.Pooradam</b> The eight day of Onam Celebrations. The day starts off with a major traditional ritual where the small statues of Mahabali and Vamana will be washed and cleaned and taken around the house in a procession. It will be later installed in the center of the pookkalam smeared with a rice-flour batter. The smearing is done by small children who are called Poorada unnikal. From this day onwards, the statue will be called Onathappan. The pookkalam design from Pooradam day onwards gets much bigger and complex in design. Shopping is one of the major activities as the public will be making final purchases for the great Thiruvonam day.</div>
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<b>9.Uthradom</b> The ninth day of Onam Celebrations. Uthradom is the ninth and the penultimate day of the festival of Onam. It is considered as Onam eve and celebrated in a very big way. The importance of this day is last minute extreme shopping frenzy called as Uthradappachil and is considered the most auspicious day for purchase of fresh vegetables and fruits along with other provisions from the Thiruvonam day <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-9" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[9]</a></sup>.</div>
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Uthradam is known as FIRST ONAM because it marks the day when King Mahabali descends onto Kerala and the traditional myths says that the king will spend the next four days touring his erstwhile kingdom and blessing the subjects. Due to this Urthadom is celebrated in a very pompous manner with larger pookkalam and celebrations in household. The Uthrada lunch is traditionally very famous. Women normally cut the first set of vegetables on this day that marks the celebrations of Thiruvonam in each household and preparations for grand Onam buffet start during the evening of Uthradom day.</div>
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<i>Pulikali in Thrissur</i></div>
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<b>10.Thiruvonam</b> The tenth day of Onam Celebrations The final day of Onam that culminates the 10 days of Onam Carnival. The day is known as Thiru-Onam (Sacred Onam Day) also known as SECOND ONAM. Myth says, it was the day Mahabali was sent to the netherworld ( <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patala" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Patala">Pathalam</a>) by Vamana. The day marks the return of Mahabali to his fabled land (Kerala), as per the boon he received from Vamana to meet his subjects and bless them. Apart from this myth, this day is considered auspicious being birthdays of several temple deities like Vamana of Thrikkara temple, Sree Padmanabha Swamy of Thiruvananthapuram etc. Though a traditional Hindu festival, Onam today has emerged as a secular festival associated with harvest time of Kerala.</div>
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Activities begin early in the morning. People clean their house, apply rice flour batter on the main entrance (a traditional welcome sign), take an early bath, wear new clothes and distribute alms to needy. The eldest female member of each family presents clothes to all the members of the family. Special prayers and Masses are organized in temples, churches and mosques that highlight the secular nature of festival. Later a very special and the biggest of all days, Pookkalam is prepared to welcome Mahabali.</div>
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The most important activity of Thiruvonam is the grand Thiruvona-Sadya <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:6_7-1" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:6-7" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></sup>, well known for being one of the most sumptuous feasts ever prepared by mankind. The level of sumptuous varies at each individual household, however every household tries to make as grand as possible as they can. The feast served on plantain leaves have more than 13 to 15 curries apart from other regular items. In hotels and temples, number of curries and dishes can go up to 30 for the feast. There is a saying in Malayalam that "Kaanam Vittum Onam Unnanam" which means "We should have the Thiruvonam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:4_6-2" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:4-6" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a></sup> which shows the importance of the grand lunch on the Thiruvonam day.</div>
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A fabulous display of fireworks turns the capital Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi into a veritable fairyland. Sumptuous feasts are prepared in every household. Even the poorest of the poor manage to find something for himself to celebrate this festival in his own humble way.</div>
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The afternoon is marked with various traditional Onam games normally seen in rural areas and are organized by resident associations, clubs etc. in large cities. In some parts of Kerala, people indulge in various games and dances during and post thiruvonam. It is known as Onakkalikal and includes Thiruvathirakali, Kummattikali, Pulikali etc. Kummattikali or Kummatti Kali is the famous colorful-mask dance. People also take part in many kinds of competitions like Ox Race (Maramadimatsaram), Uriyady, food eating competitions, pookkalam creations etc.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Post_Onam_celebrations">Post Onam celebrations</span></h4>
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Normally Onam celebrations end by Thiruvonam. However two following days after Thiruvonam, are also celebrated as Third and Fourth Onam. The third Onam, called <b>Avvittom</b> marks the preparations for King Mahabali's ascension to heavens. The main ritual of the day is to take the Onathappan statue which was placed in the middle of every Pookalam during the past 10 days and immerse it in nearby rivers or sea. The pookkalam will be cleaned and removed after this. The day is also important, as the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puli_Kali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Puli Kali">Pulikali</a> is held in the city of Thrissur. In this, men dressed as lions and tigers parade through the city in large numbers. The Puli-Kali also marks the end of traditional Onam celebrations. Fourth Onam is called as <b>Chatayam</b>. The official government celebrations ends on this day with a mega dance festival in the capital city- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruvananthapuram" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Thiruvananthapuram">Thiruvananthapuram</a>.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="The_legend">The legend</span></h2>
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Mahabali was the grandson of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prahlad" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Prahlad">Prahlada</a> (son of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiranyakashyap" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Hiranyakashyap">Hiranyakashyapa</a> who was slain by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Vishnu">Vishnu</a> in his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narasimha" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Narasimha">Narasimha</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Avatar">Avatara</a>). Prahlad, despite being an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asura" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Asura">Asura</a>, had great faith in Vishnu. Mahabali learned the act of love and devotion to Lord Vishnu as a child, from Prahlada.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Mahabali_conquers_the_three_worlds">Mahabali conquers the three worlds</span></h3>
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<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashyapa" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kashyapa">Kashyapa</a> had two wives, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diti" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Diti">Diti</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aditi" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Aditi">Aditi</a>, who were the parents of the demons and the gods (Asuras and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Deva (Hinduism)">Devas</a>) respectively. Kashyapa, who had gone to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himalayas" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Himalayas">Himalayas</a> to do penance, on his return found Aditi weeping. By divine insight, Kashyapa instantly recognised the cause of her grief. He tried to console her saying that nothing happens in the world without divine will and people should go on doing their duties. He asked her to pray to Vishnu and taught her <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payovrata" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Payovrata">Payovrata</a>, a ritual that has to be observed from the 12th day of the bright half of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karthika" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Karthika">Karthika</a> (Sukla-paksha Dvadasi). Since Aditi carried out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vrata" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Vrata">Vrata</a> with a pious heart, Vishnu appeared before her and informed her that he would help Indra.</div>
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Alternatively, the Devas were very annoyed as Mahabali became the ruler of all the three worlds having defeated the Devas. Devas, the celestial beings, were annoyed and jealous.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:4_6-3" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:4-6" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a></sup> The gods approached Vishnu and asked for his help. Vishnu said to the Devas that Mahabali is doing good things to his subjects and is eligible to become sura (devas). You devas should not be jealous about that. Being jealous would make you asuras. Vishnu decided to test Mahabali.</div>
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In the meantime, Mahabali was performing the sacrificial rite of the Viswajith Yagam or Aswamedha Yagam<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:4_6-4" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:4-6" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a></sup> on the banks of the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narmada_River" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Narmada River">Narmada River</a> in Brugacham (which is in Bharuch, Gujarat). He also declared that he would give anything that anyone sought from him during this <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yagam" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Yagam">Yagam</a>.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Vamana_visits_Mahabali">Vamana visits Mahabali</span></h3>
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Vamana (blue faced dwarf) in the court of king Bali (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mahabali">Mahabali</a>, right seated) seeking alms.</div>
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Taking advantage of the Yagam and Mahabali's declaration, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vamana" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Vamana">Vamana</a> (Vishnu disguised as a Brahmin) came to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaga-shala" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Yaga-shala">Yaga-shala</a>. As he approached them, the sages assembled there perceived the extraordinary effulgence form of the young lad. Mahabali went forth to receive the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Brahmin">Brahmin</a> boy with all traditional honours and gave him an eminent seat befitting the status of a holy person. With the usual courtesy given to the people who come to ask for help, Mahabali told him that it was his good fortune that Vamana had chosen to honour him with his presence. Whatever Vamana desired, Mahabali was ready to fulfill. Vamana smiled and said: "You need not give me anything great. It is enough if you give me that extend of land covered by three footsteps of mine".</div>
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On hearing him, Mahabali's preceptor, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shukracharya" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Shukracharya">Shukracharya</a> (a Daitya priest), who had visions of the future, told Mahabali that the one who had come to take alms from him was not an ordinary Brahmin but Lord Vishnu Himself having assumed this form. He advised Mahabali not to promise the lad anything. But Mahabali was a king who would never go back on his word, considering it sinful to do so. Shukracharya insisted that he should not fulfill the demand of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vamana" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Vamana">Vamana</a> as he had come to deprive him of all his possessions.</div>
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<i>Onappottan</i>, in traditional costume is a custom in northern parts of Kerala.<i>Onappottan</i> visits houses during the <i>onam</i> and gives blessings. Of late <i>onappottan</i>has become a rare sight, confined to villages.</div>
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Mahabali, determined to honour his promise, begged the pardon of his Guru for disregarding his advice. Earlier, while Mahabali was embarking on the war with Indra, he had prostrated at the feet of his preceptor, Shukracharya, and on his advice had he started the Vishwajith Yagam from which he secured some very powerful weapons. It was only because of Shukracharya's help that he was able to conquer Indra. Mahabali's refusal angered Shukracharya. He cursed Mahabali, saying: 'As you have not heeded your Guru's words, you will be reduced to ashes'. Mahabali was firm and replied: 'I am prepared to face any consequence but will not go back on my word'.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Mahabali.27s_reign_ends">Mahabali's reign ends</span></h3>
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Saying so, he asked Vamana to measure the desired three feet of land. All attempts of Shukracharya to dissuade Mahabali proved futile. Mahabali considered everyone who came to him for help as god himself and never refused them anything. Mahabali told his Guru: "<i>Prana (life) and Maana (honour) are like the two eyes of a person. Even if life goes, honour should be protected. Knowing that the person that has come now is the Lord Himself, I should be the most fortunate one as the Lord, who gives everything to mankind, is seeking something from me.</i>" Mahabali gladly said that even if Vishnu himself were to come to his sacrifice and ask for anything, he would deliver it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:4_6-5" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:4-6" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a></sup></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vamana" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Vamana">Vamana</a> as <i>Tri-vikrama</i> (victor of the three worlds) triumphing over <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mahabali">Bali</a></div>
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Vamana grew in size until he towered above the heavens. With one footstep, he measured all of the earth. With the second, he claimed all of heaven. There was still one foot of territory that Mahabali owed him. Mahabali requested Vamana to place the final step on his head as the third step of land, for he had no other left. Vamana did so and in doing so, sent him down to Sutala, the heaven-like underworld. The site where he placed his foot is said to be the village of<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrikkakara" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Thrikkakara">Thrikkakara</a> (meaning place of the holy foot), and is the centre of the renowned Onam festival celebrated in relation to the legend of King Mahabali.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Vishnu.27s_blessings">Vishnu's blessings</span></h3>
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For the devotion of this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daitya" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Daitya">daitya</a>, Mahabali, Lord Vishnu (Vamana) granted him rule over the underworld. It was also granted that he would hold the position of Indra for one <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manvantara" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Manvantara">Manvantara</a>, thus fulfilling his devotee's desire (the office of Indra being a rotating position, changing every Manvantara).</div>
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As a last gift, Mahabali was granted permission to visit his subjects once a year. Thus, Keralites celebrate the Onam festival to commemorate the memory of the Great King Mahabali who would keep his promise to visit. Mahabali fulfilled his name as the great martyr for the sake of Truth ("<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satya" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Satya">Satya</a>"). The name "Mahabali" itself means <i>Great Sacrifice</i>.</div>
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During Onam, the feast and festive mood of the people, dressed in their best, is considered reminiscent of the prosperous and truthful life of the subjects during Mahabali's flawless reign. People wear new clothes (Vastra) during Onam. The 'Vastra' also stands for heart. Thus the significance of wearing new clothes is about making the heart new by removing all bad thoughts and feelings. People forgetting their sectarian outlooks, join together to welcome the auspicious 'Thiruvonam' day.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Alternate_Legend">Alternate Legend</span></h2>
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By traditional beliefs; <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasurama" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Parasurama">Parasurama</a>, an incarnation of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Vishnu">Vishnu</a> is credited to have founded Kerala. An alternate legend defines Onam as the day on which <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasurama" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Parasurama">Parasurama</a> recovered Kerala from the sea-bed by throwing his battle-axe. The axe traveled from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gokarna,_India" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Gokarna, India">Gokarnam</a> in the North to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanyakumari" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kanyakumari">Kanyakumari</a> in the South.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Folk-lore_10-0" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-Folk-lore-10" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[10]</a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-11" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[11]</a></sup> This legend is mentioned by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann_Gundert" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Hermann Gundert">Hermann Gundert</a> in his Malayalam Dictionary.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Folk-lore_10-1" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-Folk-lore-10" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[10]</a></sup></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Onam_legacy">Onam legacy</span></h2>
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<a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Thiruvathira_Kali_During_Onam.jpg" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="188" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/89/Thiruvathira_Kali_During_Onam.jpg/250px-Thiruvathira_Kali_During_Onam.jpg" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/89/Thiruvathira_Kali_During_Onam.jpg/375px-Thiruvathira_Kali_During_Onam.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/89/Thiruvathira_Kali_During_Onam.jpg/500px-Thiruvathira_Kali_During_Onam.jpg 2x" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); vertical-align: middle;" width="250" /></a><div class="thumbcaption" style="border: none; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 3px !important; text-align: left;">
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Thiruvathira Kali during Onam in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kerala">Kerala</a></div>
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<a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CHILDREN_MAKING_TRADITIONAL_POOKKALAM.JPG" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="168" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d0/CHILDREN_MAKING_TRADITIONAL_POOKKALAM.JPG/250px-CHILDREN_MAKING_TRADITIONAL_POOKKALAM.JPG" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d0/CHILDREN_MAKING_TRADITIONAL_POOKKALAM.JPG/375px-CHILDREN_MAKING_TRADITIONAL_POOKKALAM.JPG 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d0/CHILDREN_MAKING_TRADITIONAL_POOKKALAM.JPG/500px-CHILDREN_MAKING_TRADITIONAL_POOKKALAM.JPG 2x" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); vertical-align: middle;" width="250" /></a><div class="thumbcaption" style="border: none; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 3px !important; text-align: left;">
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Children making traditional pookkalam</div>
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Onam comes in the month of "Chingam" which is the first month according to the Malayalam Calendar. People put flower mats in front of their houses, to welcome King<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mahabali">Mahabali</a>. There will be competition for the laying of flower mats; Keralites all over the world will be celebrating this ten days with pomp and gaiety. They wear new dresses, visit as many temples as they can, perform dances like <i>Thiruvadhira kali</i> <i>Thumbi Tullal</i>etc. to name a few.</div>
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Onam is celebrated with a focus on different cultural aspects at different places.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrippunithura#Atha_Chamayam" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Thrippunithura">Athachamayam</a>- a cultural procession takes place in the royal town of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripunithura" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Tripunithura">Tripunithura</a> near<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernakulam" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Ernakulam">Ernakulam</a>-<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kochi,_India" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kochi, India">Kochi</a>, on the Atham day of <i>Chingam</i>, which also marks the beginning of Onam celebrations. At the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrikkakara_Temple" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Thrikkakara Temple">Vamanamoorthy temple</a> in <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrikkakara" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Thrikkakara">Thrikkakara</a>, the annual temple festival coincides with Onam. The temple is dedicated to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vamana" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Vamana">Lord Vamana</a> and is directly linked to the mythological background of Onam.</div>
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Onam Pookkalam is considered as a symbol for secularism. Various kinds of flowers combine together to form a great-looking pookkalam. So, it shall reflect those old good days during King <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mahabali">Mahabali</a>. It's a great pleasure for people in Kerala to make Pookkalam from Atham to Thiruvonam, especially for children.</div>
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The celebrations begin within a fortnight of the Malayalam New Year and go on for ten days. The last day called the Thiruvonam is the most important. All over the state, rituals along with new clothes, traditional cuisine, dance, and music mark this harvest festival.</div>
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At <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valluvanad_(southern_Malabar)" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Valluvanad (southern Malabar)">Valluvanad</a> (mainly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottapalam" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Ottapalam">Ottapalam</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shornur" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Shornur">Shornur</a> regions), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathakali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kathakali">Kathakali</a> dancers in gorgeous costumes enact the legends. A strikingly impressive procession of caparisoned<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephants_in_Kerala_culture" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Elephants in Kerala culture">elephants</a> is taken out at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrissur" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Thrissur">Thrissur</a>, where masked dancers also go from house to house performing the colorful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kummattikali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kummattikali">Kummattikali</a> dance. At <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheruthuruthy" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Cheruthuruthy">Cheruthuruthy</a>, people gather to watch<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathakali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kathakali">Kathakali</a> performers enact scenes from epics and folk tales. <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulikali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Pulikali">Pulikali</a>, also known as <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaduvakali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kaduvakali">Kaduvakali</a> is a common sight during Onam season. Performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the beats of instruments like <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damru" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Damru">Udukku</a> and thakil.</div>
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At <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aranmula" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Aranmula">Aranmula</a>, during Onam days the famous <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aranmula_Vallam_Kali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Aranmula Vallam Kali">Aranmula Vallam Kali</a> is conducted.</div>
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The swing is another integral part of Onam, especially in the rural areas. Young men and women, decked in their best, sing Onappaatt, or Onam songs, and rock one another on swings slung from high branches.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Onam_activities">Onam activities</span></h2>
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A typical onam sadya</div>
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The most important things about Onam are the <i>onakkodi</i>, the new clothes worn on this day and <i>onam <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadya" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Sadya">sadya</a></i>, a feast which is quite elaborate. This is usually a feast served on banana leaves and serves rice along with at least an array of 4 dishes. Traditional pickles and papadam are also served. Dessert is usually 'payasam', a sweet dish made of milk, sugar and other traditional Indian savories.</div>
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During Onam, people create a multi-coloured floral decoration on the ground in the front of their home called <i>pookkalam</i>. Young children especially girls are often entrusted with the task of gathering and laying out the flowers in elaborate patterns. Competitions are held on onam day to create this floral design. It is usually 1.5 m in Diameter usually in circular shape. A lamp is usually placed as part of the design. In the recent years, the floral designs have evolved from the traditional circular shape to unique designs depicting different cultural and social aspects of Kerala life.</div>
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The <i><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vallamkali" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Vallamkali">Vallamkali</a></i> (the snake boat race) is another event that is synonymous with Onam. Well-known races include the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aranmula_Boat_Race" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Aranmula Boat Race">Aranmula Boat Race</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehru_Trophy_Boat_Race" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Nehru Trophy Boat Race">Nehru Trophy Boat Race</a>. About 100 oarsmen row huge and graceful snake boats and men and women come from far and near to watch the snake boats skim through the water.</div>
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During the Onam, Keralite Hindus install an image of Thrikkakara Appan or Onatthappan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) in their home<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-:8_5-2" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-:8-5" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></sup> just as Hindus install images or murtis of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesh" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Ganesh">Lord Ganesh</a> on the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.</div>
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Many lamps are lit in Hindu temples of Kerala during this celebration.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReferenceA_12-0" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-ReferenceA-12" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[12]</a></sup> A palmyra tree is erected in front of temples and surrounded with a wooden balustrade and covered with dry palmyra leaves.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReferenceA_12-1" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-ReferenceA-12" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[12]</a></sup> It is lit with a torch and burned to ashes to signify that Mahabali went to hell as a sacrifice.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReferenceA_12-2" style="line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_note-ReferenceA-12" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[12]</a></sup></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="References">References</span></h2>
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<ol class="references" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: inherit; margin: 0.3em 0px 0.5em 3.2em; padding: 0px;">
<li id="cite_note-1" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up</span>^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><span class="citation book" style="word-wrap: break-word;">Chopra, Prabha (1988). <a class="external text" href="http://books.google.com/books?id=yAgMAAAAIAAJ" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;"><i>Encyclopaedia of India</i></a>. p. 285. "<i>Onam — Most important festival of Kerala; held in Chingam (August–September)</i>"</span><span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AOnam&rft.au=Chopra%2C+Prabha&rft.aufirst=Prabha&rft.aulast=Chopra&rft.btitle=Encyclopaedia+of+India&rft.date=1988&rft.genre=book&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DyAgMAAAAIAAJ&rft.pages=285&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook"></span></span></li>
<li id="cite_note-:1-2" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:1_2-0" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up to:</span><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:1_2-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><a class="external free" href="http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2443999.ece" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2443999.ece</a></span></li>
<li id="cite_note-:2-3" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:2_3-0" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up to:</span><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:2_3-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><a class="external free" href="http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2444007.ece" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2444007.ece</a></span></li>
<li id="cite_note-4" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-4" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up</span>^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><a class="external free" href="http://www.thehindu.com/books/onam-and-its-backdrops/article2635539.ece" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px;">http://www.thehindu.com/books/onam-and-its-backdrops/article2635539.ece</a></span></li>
<li id="cite_note-:8-5" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:8_5-0" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up to:</span><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:8_5-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:8_5-2" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><a class="external free" href="http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/flowers-pookkalam-and-onam/article5125877.ece" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/flowers-pookkalam-and-onam/article5125877.ece</a></span></li>
<li id="cite_note-:4-6" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:4_6-0" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up to:</span><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:4_6-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:4_6-2" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:4_6-3" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:4_6-4" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:4_6-5" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><a class="external free" href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/athachamayam-festivities-held-at-tripunithura/article570765.ece" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/athachamayam-festivities-held-at-tripunithura/article570765.ece</a></span></li>
<li id="cite_note-:6-7" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:6_7-0" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up to:</span><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-:6_7-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><a class="external free" href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/the-feel-of-onam/article5128729.ece" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/the-feel-of-onam/article5128729.ece</a></span></li>
<li id="cite_note-8" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-8" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up</span>^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><a class="external free" href="http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/athappookalam-losing-traditional-verve/article173569.ece" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/athappookalam-losing-traditional-verve/article173569.ece</a></span></li>
<li id="cite_note-9" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-9" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up</span>^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><a class="external free" href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/rain-no-deterrent-to-uthradappachil/article5133685.ece" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/rain-no-deterrent-to-uthradappachil/article5133685.ece</a></span></li>
<li id="cite_note-Folk-lore-10" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-Folk-lore_10-0" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up to:</span><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-Folk-lore_10-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text">P. 47 <i><a class="external text" href="http://books.google.com/books?ei=hXCNTq6ONsTWrQf3h6W5AQ" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;">Folk-lore</a></i> Published 1960, Indian Publications</span></li>
<li id="cite_note-11" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-11" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up</span>^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text">P. 253 <i>Some South Indian Villages</i> By Gilbert Slater</span></li>
<li id="cite_note-ReferenceA-12" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-ReferenceA_12-0" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><span class="cite-accessibility-label" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 1px !important;">Jump up to:</span><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-ReferenceA_12-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam#cite_ref-ReferenceA_12-2" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><sup style="line-height: 1em;"><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text">P. 179 <i>Genealogy Of The South Indian Deities</i> By Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, Daniel Jeyaraj</span></li>
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