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 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
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
