Hey, Happy Onam to my whole big BabyChakra family! Its that time of the year for mallus when we go flower hunting, non-stop eating, shopping and swinging(not from being drunk, but ya, it's still an excuse😁). I mean real swings tied from trees, and all sorts of fun games. Although the traditions are getting lost by the day due to urbanization, some fun still remains. I would like to share some Onam trivia with you guys!


Onam is held in memory of an era when King Mahabali ruled Kerala. It was a time of prosperity, when peace and honesty prevailed the land. It is said that the king returns every year during the harvest season, and the Keralites celebrate and welcome the beloved King's return by wearing new clothes and preparing their homes and indulging in elaborate feasts. The King will look over his subjects and return with a happy heart.

Onam begins 10 days prior to the actual day. This is called Atham. From Atham itself preparations begin like cleaning, making different Kerala chips and savouries. The pantry is stocked full for the family and extended family who would come over. Throughout these 10 days, a flower carpet or Pookalam is made at the doorstep everday in the morning, mostly in round patterns. The final lap is taken on first Onam called Uthradom(these are all malayalam star signs- Atham, Uthradom, Thiruvonam etc.). On this day, the achars, sauces, for the Thiruvonam feast and more snacks are all prepared.

On the night of Uthradom, Onam is ushered into the house, literally, in a small puja ritual done at the doorstep of the house. The men or boys of the house call out loudly "Aarpooooy” 3 times and this signifies Onam is here(its really fun to hear the calls one after the other from each nearby house).

The real feast or Sadhya is held on Thiruvonam. Early morning, after a bath, the women are busy in preparing a big feast which will be served on plantain leaves. There will be rice, papad, kerala chips, and about 10 to 15 side dishes. This is topped off with a delicious Payasam(kheer). From the next day, the ladies visit their paternal homes and also other relatives or friends are invited over for lunch.

But not everything about Onam is about food. It is also a time for traditional art forms such as Thiruvadhirakali(where women wear kerala saree and dance gracefully in a circle), beautiful flower carpets with elaborate designs(like rangoli but with flowers),  traditional art forms and other games like tug of war.

So, wishing you a peaceful, prosperous and happy Onam, because that's what its all about!