UNIVERSITY IN TAMILNADU

Alagappa University, Karaikudi                                         



Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore


Anna University, Chennai

Anna University, Coimbatore


Anna University, Tiruchirappalli


Anna University, Tirunelveli


Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar

Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore


Bharath University, Chennai


Bharathiar University, Coimbatore


Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli


Chennai Mathematical Institute, Siruseri


Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul


Hindustan University, Chennai


Kalasalingam University, Krishnankovil


Karunya University, Coimbatore


Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai


Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli


Mother Teresa Women's University, Kodaikanal


National Institute of Technology, Thiruchirapalli


Noorul Islam University, Kumarakovil, Kanyakumari


Periyar University, Salem


Periyar Maniammai University, Vallam, Thanjavur


PRIST University, Vallam, Thanjavur


Sathyabama University, Chennai


SASTRA University, Thirumalaisamudiram, Thanjavur


SCSVMV University, Enathur, Kanchipuram


Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai


SRM University, Kanchipuram


SRM University, Tiruchirapalli


Tamil University, Thanjavur -


Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore


Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai


The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai


Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai


Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai


Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, Chennai


Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai


Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai


Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore


University of Madras, Chennai


Vinayaka Missions University, Salem


VIT University, Vellore


Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai


Annamalai University, Chidambaram

ONAM 2010

Onam is the most popular and important festival in Kerala in India. The Thiruonam festival of Malayalis rises above all barriers of religion, caste, creed and financial status. It is believed that during the four days of Onam festival, the legendary Asura King Mahabali (Maveli) comes to visit his subjects. Malayalis prepare floral carpets, sumptuous foods and sweets to welcome Mahabali. Thiruonam 2010 date is August 23. First Onam is on August 22

Onam is celebrated over four days - Onnam Onam or First Onam is on August 22. Second Onam or the most important day of Onam is the Thiruonam and it is on August 23. Third Onam or Munnam Onam is on August 24. Fourth Onam or Naalam Onam is on August 25

The preparation for Onam begins on the Atham nakshatram day in the Malayalam Chingam month (August – September). Atham falls around 10 days before Thiruonam.

During these ten days children and women prepare the floral design called Ona-Pookkalam in front of their houses to welcome King Maveli. Today there are Pookalam competitions organized by various organizations.


New clothes, known as Onakodi, are exchanged by family members. Preparation for the grand feast on Onam begins in advance.


On the Tiruvonam day members of the family gather together, usually at the ancestral home, for Onasadya (traditional Onam feast) served on plantain leaves. The significance of the Ona Sadya is established from the popular Malayalam saying “kanam vittum onam unnanam” - Onam feast should be prepared even if one has to sell all the seedlings that are kept to sow for next harvest.


Onam is traditionally a harvest festival and earlier the people of Kerala used to entirely depend on agriculture.

After the Onasadya, women and children engage in folk games, songs and dances like Oonjalattom (soaring high on the swing), Thumbithullal - a traditional folk dance, Kaikottikkali or Thiruvathirakali.


Onam is also time for snake boat races (Vallam Kali) and there are numerous competitions including the famous Aranmula Vallam Kali.

Apart from this there are other traditional rural arts and games like Pulikali, Kummati kali, Ona Thallu etc take place during the period.

Malayalis are today spread around the world and Onam transports each Malayali to their home in Kerala.

Each malayali has sweet memories of Onam and it is dusted out and remembered with a nostalgic smile on every Onam