Ever Green Nature

The festival is marked with gifts to the divine called Vishukanni. The offerings consists of a ritual arrangement in the puja room of auspicious articles like rice,linen, cucumber, betel leaves, matal mirror, holy text and coins in a bell metal vessel called uruli. A lighted bell metal lamp called nilavilakku is also placed alongside. This arrangement is completed by the women of the house during the previous night. On the day of Vishu, it’s a custom to wake up at dawn and go to the puja room with the eyes closed so that the first thing a person sees is the Vushukanni. The Vishukanni is later distributed among the poor.People wear new clothes for the occasion and the elders in the family distribute tokens of money to the children, servants and tenants. These tokens are called Vishukkaineetam and are usually in the form of coins. People carry out this custom believing that in this way, their children would be blessed with prosperity in the future.

Vishukani or Kanikanal

The festival is marked with gifts to the divine called Vishukanni. The offerings consists of a ritual arrangement in the puja room of auspicious articles like rice,linen, cucumber, betel leaves, matal mirror, holy text and coins in a bell metal vessel called uruli. A lighted bell metal lamp called nilavilakku is also placed alongside. This arrangement is completed by the women of the house during the previous night. On the day of Vishu, it’s a custom to wake up at dawn and go to the puja room with the eyes closed so that the first thing a person sees is the Vushukanni. The Vishukanni is later distributed among the poor.People wear new clothes for the occasion and the elders in the family distribute tokens of money to the children, servants and tenants. These tokens are called Vishukkaineetam and are usually in the form of coins. People carry out this custom believing that in this way, their children would be blessed with prosperity in the future.
There are also beliefs that if you do not see a proper Vishukani, then you will lose a year from your life or have bad luck, depending on how much you see.
Vishukani Preparation

A sensibly sized Uruli(a metal vessel) is used to arrange the Kani. of a few inches to even The uruli usually is made of panchaloham, an collection of five metals. Panchaloham being symbolic of the world, which comprises the five great, elements—earth, water, fire, air and space.

Placed over that is a newly laundered white kasavu pudava (a typical Kerala style Sarang sandal colour with golden embroidery), followed by a carefully selected Kanivellari (shapely cucumber), Vettila (betel leaves), Pazhukkapakku (reddish yellow coloured ripe areca nut), coloured mango fruit, ripe yellow jack fruit(halved) and a shining brass valkannadi (hand mirror). After this, a gold coin or gold ornament is placed on top of all. Then keep a pair of halved coconuts upright, filled with oil along with cotton wicks.
Two deepams, which are formed from the two halves of a split coconut, are also kept in the uruli. The wicks are made from pieces of starched cloth that are folded into bulbs at the base. These bulbs are placed into the coconut oil that fills the deepams, anchoring the wicks in place. The starch helps the rest of the wick to extend straight upwards so that they will properly burn. The lighting of the deepam welcomes God into our lives and is also symbolic of spiritual knowledge—the remover of the darkness of ignorance.
Now the passive yellow magnificence of Nilavilakku and its brilliant mirror image on the bronze Uruli, golden coloured kanivellari, gold ornaments and bronze mirror boost the overpoweringly yellow great quantity of the Kanikonna flower clusters and in turn supplement the beauty of the yellow clad divinity that is Lord Sree Krishna Paramatma. When one opens the eyes for the first time in the Brahma Muhurtha, to look at Bhagavan’s this magnificent image.
Gold—both in colour and in coin—is central to the Vishukkani. Kanikkonna, a golden-yellow flower is used liberally throughout the puja room. This flower only bloom when the sun is in its most exalted position astrologically—the month surrounding Vishu. In the puja room, the flower verily represents the sun itself, the eyes of Lord Vishnu. Gold coins are symbols of monetary affluence, as well as cultural and spiritual wealth, which the elders of the family must share freely with the younger generation. Vishukkaineettam, the distribution of wealth, is another aspect of the festival. It should be given freely and accepted with reverence. On Vishu, the highly affluent families will not only give money to their children but also their neighbours, perhaps the entire village.
Upon opening one's eyes, one is overwhelmed with the glorious darshan of the Lord. The mirror—which is symbolic of Bhagavati (Devi), not only increases the lustre of the Vishukkani via the reflection it offers, but also shows our own face. One may also be reminded at this time, that Bhagavan SriKrishna is the supreme lord of all that be, and our eternal duty(Sanatana Dharma) as eternal spirit souls (jivatma) is to render devotional service unto the Him, utilizing all these material requirements provided by Him for our well-being in the coming year also. The mirror also points to the importance of making our mind pure enough to render devotional service (Nava vidha bhakti) with true and unadulterated love to SriKrishna.
The Vishukkani is not kept only for those who come to the puja room, but is taken around—for the viewing of the elderly and sick who are perhaps too frail to come to the shrine. It is also brought outside and shown to the family cows. As it is brought to the cowshed, it in fact is on display for the birds, the trees, for all of nature to see.
Vishukkani points to a year of abundance—both spiritually and materially. Food, light, money, knowledge—all should fill our life. Taking in the Vishukkani we should pray that the vision remains with us throughout the year. It is not enough that the joy we take from viewing the Vishukkani comes only to our eyes. It must reflect in our thoughts and in our actions. The auspicious start of the year—which has come to us due to the grace of beginning it with a divine vision—is not for us alone. It is up to us to spread this love, happiness and hope to the rest of society.
Kanikanal
After preparing the Kani on the night of the Vishu eve, the eldest lady of the house would sleep near to the Kani, caring the match box close at hand. She gets up much before the Lord of the Day rise above the eastern horizon. Keeping the eyes closed, she lights up the lamps and with prayers on lips, she opens her eyes to behold the golden scene that spreads in front and the image of the ever smiling face of Sreekrishna. After her Kanikanal, she wakes up other family members one by one and guides them to see the Kani in the Pooja Room. The children are brought keeping their eyes enclosed by her loving hand or a cloth to prevent them from opening the eyes and see the ordinary before seeing the divine.
After the human beings, it is the turn of the plants, animals and all things movable and immovable. The Kani Uruli is then taken outside to show them. It is also taken to the cattle shed, bank of the ponds etc. and finally around the house three times.
In some places, children and youth prepare the Kani and take it around the neighbourhood chanting Keerthanams accompanied with musical instruments. They get Kaineetam from all the houses they visit.Vishukani is important in many famous temples such as Ambalapuzha, Guruvayoor and Sabarimala.
Vishu Kaineetam
Children wait willingly for this ritual. The elders of the family starting with the grand father or father give away Kaineetam to the younger ones. The Kaineetam consists of coins with Konna flowers, rice and the gold from the Uruli. The gold and the rice are returned to the Uruli and touch the eyes with flower. Earlier days, it was a custom to give Kaineetam to all the people linked with the house such as servants, field workers and land-tenants. The principle is the symbolic sharing of the prosperity and wishing happiness for all.
Vishu Kanji
Saddhya is a major part of all Kerala festivals. But for Vishu, Vishu Kanji and Thoran are more important. The Kanji is made of rice, coconut milk and spices. For the side dish, that is Thoran also there are mandatory ingredients.
Vishu Padakkam

Fireworks is an important part of Vishu festival in many parts of North Kerala. In the morning and the previous evening, children enjoy bursting crackers and fire works.

Onam is the principal celebration in Kerala. Pass through to Kerala during Onam, on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater, and see Kerala at its festive best. See the beautiful flower carpets, eat a delicious festive lunch, watch a graceful dance performance and join in the festivities of Onam in Kerala, on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater. Like most parts of India, festivals in Kerala are an essential part of the social and cultural structure of the state and festival time is the best time to plan one's travel to Kerala. In Kerala, every community, every religion has something to celebrate about all through out the year. But one festival that is celebrated irrespective of caste and creed all over Kerala is the Onam festival. The celebrations begin within a fortnight of the Malayalam New Year and go on for ten days. The last day called the Thiruonam is the most important. All over the state, rituals along with new clothes, traditional cuisine, dance and music mark this harvest festival.Depending on the positioning of the stars and the moon, the festival is held at the end of August or beginning of September, less than a fortnight after the Malayalam New Year, Chingam begins. The biggest festival of Kerala, Onam is also the best time to plan one's travel and tour in Kerala. The color, enthusiasm and celebrations associated with Onam are enough to make you return again

The Legend behind Onam Festival in Kerala:
Onam is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, a legendary ruler of Kerala, who was celebrated for the justice and goodness of his canon. According to legend, people in his kingdom lived in wealth and harmony and loved their King so much that even the God's grew envious of him, for King Mahabali was of the race of Demons. King Mahabali had conquered all the land and sea and the heavens, making the Gods even more troubled. They requested Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, in the Hindu trinity to act. Vishnu descended on earth in the form of a dwarf Brahmin, called Vamana. He went to King Mahabali's palace and found the good King distributing alms. When Mahabali asked Vamana what alms he sought, Vamana replied he would like as much ground as he could cover with three footsteps. Mahabali looked at the tiny feet of the dwarf and agreed to his wish. Lord Vishnu covered the land and seas with one step and the heavens with the second. Mahabali recognized the presence of the Lord and offered his head as the ground for Vishnu/Vamana's third step. Mahabali was thus subjugated and sent to the underworld. However because he was a good and just king who loved his subjects, he could return once a year to check on the welfare of his people. Thus Onam is celebrated every year to welcome Mahabali, the good Demon King of Kerala. Join in the grand Onam celebration on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
Onam Festival is celebrated with great joy and gaiety across Kerala, India on a particular day in August or September. People buy new clothes and exchange gifts. Houses are cleaned and beautiful flower carpets and decorations are made at the entrances of houses and in courtyards. Traditional oil lamps are lit in the courtyard and women dressed in traditional Kerala sarees dance around the lamp, performing a dance called Thiruvathirakali. The main event on Onam day is a grand feast at lunchtime. Called sadya, the feast consists of a series of dishes served one after the other, including rice, vegetable curries, pickles and several varieties of payasam or sweet dish. Many cultural events are also held on the occasion of Onam. Snake Boat races, Kathakali and Mohiniattam dance recitals and musical performances are organized to celebrate Onam in Kerala.
You will see all of Kerala decked up in its best, during the occasion of Onam. See Kerala celebrate the Onam festival with joy and happiness, on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Poookkalam

Poo - means flower. Kalam means special shape. Pookalams (flower mats) are usually circular in shape.
Onapookalam-Thumba (Lucas Aspera), Kakka Poovu, Thechipoovu, Mukkutti (little tree plant), Chemparathy (shoe flower), Aripoo or Konginipoo (Lantana), Hanuman Kireedom (Red pagoda plant) and Chethi (Ixora)

Onapookkalam is made of different kinds of flowers. Commonly used flowers include Thumba (Lucas Aspera), Kakka Poovu, Thechipoovu, Mukkutti (little tree plant), Chemparathy (shoe flower), Aripoo or Konginipoo (Lantana), Krishna Kireedom (Red pagoda plant) and Chethi (Ixora). Of all these flowers, Thumba flowers are given more importance in Pookkalam as they are small in size and shine in the soft rays of the sun.

'Thumba Poo' is also considered to be the favourite flower of Lord Shiva and King Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Shiva.

Tiger Dance-- Kaduva Kali :

This is also known as Puli Kali. It is a customary art form of Kerala performed during festive seasons especially during the Onam and cultural programmers

Performers paint their bodies in bright yellow, red and black spots and lines to resemble tigers, and go about from house to house, dancing dynamically to the loud thumping of drumming instruments like Chenda, Udukku, Thakal, etc.

Thiruvathirakali

This is a traditional dance form in Kerala.The celebration day falls on Thiruvathira in the month of December-January. As per tradition the day is observed as the birthday of Lord Siva. Also it is the day when God of Love Kamadeva was resurrected.
Thiruvathira songs are mostly narrative in nature. Rituals start with the early morning bath followed by visit to Siva temple, and observance of a special diet that forms part of fasting. The women folk stand in a circle and move around gracefully in a rhythm that is typified by clapping of hands.

Kathakali

Kathakali exactly meaning 'story-dance' is the dance-drama of Malabar which is now culturally and politically known as Kerala’s soul. It was believed that Kathakali was conceived from Krishnanaattam, the dance drama on the life and activities of Lord Krishna created by the Zamorin of Calicut. The costume of Kathakali has been much influenced by Chaakkyaar koothu and Koodiyattam the two older forms of dramatic illustration in vogue in Kerala. The history of their origins dates back to the period of Perumals i.e. much earlier to the introduction of Raamanaattam.

Mohiniattam

Mohiniattam was raise in the region of Kerala in southwestern India. The name Mohiniattam literally means 'Dance of the Enchantress,' and it does have a mesmerizing quality. The white and gold costume, arresting hairstyle and the highly graceful movements in medium tempo, contribute to this aesthetic effect.

Mohiniattam is differentiated by convincing movements of the upper body with legs placed in a stance similar to the plie position. The eyes play an important role in accenting the direction of the movement.

Mention of Mohiniattam is found in some eighteenth century texts, but the practical aspect of the style was revitalized in the reign of Maharaja Swati Tirunal, a 19th century ruler who was a great patron of the arts. Under Swati Tirunal, Mohiniattam crystallized as a solo dance tradition with musical compositions set to the Carnatic style of music and a distinct repertoire.

Procession of elephants

The extraordinary procession of elephants is one of the major tourist attractions of Onam and attracts thousands of people from India and abroad. A golden plate beatifically designed with different size golden babbles called “Nettippattam” is placed on elephant’s forehead which enhances the elephants look more attractive. The long stemmed ceremonial silk and satin umbrellas laced with white metal or silver are placed on top of the animal. Elephants adorned with gold plates on their forehead and umbrellas on top present a majestic sight. A colourful silk robe, some jewelry and body painting adds to the looks. These pachyderm amuses its audience especially children by shaking its trunk and the big body a little along with the rhythm. The procession is added with feasting, dance, music and merrymaking. The most impressive and good-looking animal gets the honor of being a part of the procession.

Onakkodi

Children are particularly thrilled on Onam as they get lots of gift from their parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents, family friends and close relatives especially new dresses called Onakkodi .`

Sending Onam Gifts like dry chips, sweet chips and snacks through courier has become very popular. Online Onam shopping sites exists and many of them have the provision to send Onam Gifts with their own delivery channel. This makes it convenient for the people to send Onam Gifts at desired places around the globe.

Onam greetings and messages.

Similar to sending Christmas and New Year greetings, sending of heart felt Onam Messages preferably in Malayalam and onam greeting cards to the near and dear have become very popular.
Thiruonam Aashamsakal
To everyone, my Onam Wishes !
May the spirit of Onam appear everywhere at all times!!
Aayiram Aayiram onasamsakal.
Onasadhya

Onasadhya or onamsadya (Meals) is the most favorite and tasty part of the Onam festival. It is considered the most elaborate and grand meal all set for any festival in the world.

Dishes for Onasadya. Number of dishes may go upto 13. Earlier, Onasaya used to be even more elaborate than depicted above. There were about 64 mandatory dishes - eight varieties each of the eight dishes. At that time three banana leaves were served one under the other to accommodate all the dishes.

There is an old saying “'Kaanam Vittum Onam Unnanam” means “people should prepare Onam Sadya, even selling all there possessions".

Rich or the poor, everybody, prepares Onasadya in a grand fashion as people of Kerala are extremely devotional and passionate when it comes to Onasadya.

The food has to be serving on a tender Banana leaf, laid with the end to the left hand side. The meal is traditionally served on a mat laid on the floor. A strict order of serving the dishes one after another is obeyed. Besides, there are clear directions as to what will be served in which part of the banana leaf.

Major items. Pappad or Pappadum, banana (can be 'Rasakadali', 'Poovan', 'Palayankodan'). - Salt, banana wafers, sarkarapuratti fries, ginger, lime and mango pickles, 'vellarika', 'pavakka', 'beetroot' and 'ulli kitchadi'. 'Kitchadi' made of pineapple and banana splits or of grapes and apple, 'cabbage thoran' or thoran made of beans and avial, bread and green peas mix 'thoran'', kootucurry, 'parippu curry, ghee, Sambhar, Rasam, butter milk, curd, adaprathaman Payasam, erissery,

Kalan or Pulisseri, Olan, Mulakoshyam etc

Vallamkali

Vallamkali or the Snake Boat Race is the most enchanting facet of the festival of Onam and an important tourist attraction of the state of Kerala and draws a large number of domestic and international tourists.Vallamkali or the Snake Boat Race popularity is soaring up every year. Major boat races are:

Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
This largest and colorful event is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district on the second Saturday in the month of August. It is Started in the year 1952, in an spontaneous fashion in honor of the late Prime Minister, Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the biggest team sport event in the world today. Amazing boat show held before the actual race is the other highlight of the event.
Aranmulla vallam kali.
This colourful spectacle of the race is performed on the banks of the river Pamba at Aranmulla where a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Nearly 30 chundan vallams join in the festival. Singing customary boat songs, the oarsmen, in white dhotis and turbans, spatter their oars into the water to guide their boats to cruise along like a fish on the move. The golden lace at the head of the boat, the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the center make it a spectacular show of pageantry too.
Each snake boat belongs to a village along the banks of the River Pampa and is worshipped like a divinity. Every year the boat is oiled mainly with fish oil, coconut shell, and carbon, mixed with eggs to keep the wood strong and the boat slippery in the water.
The one end of the boat is shaped like cobra’s head and it is from this shape that boat has derived its name. Skilled craftsmen and a lot of patience carefully craft each boat. The boat is about 100 feet long and usually made of anjili (Artocarpus hirsuta), or sometimes teak and kadamb (Naucleacadamba) wood is also used.
Each boat comprises of 150 men of whom four are helmsmen, 25 men are singers and 125 are the actual oarsmen.Women also participate with lot of enthusiasm in a separate the boat race conducted for them.
Several other boat races at Thalavady, Kumarakam, Mannar, Thiruvandoo, Neerattupuram etc. are also conducted in the various rivers of Kerala and draw massive public attention.