Onam, the biggest festival of Kerala is around the corner, and Malayalis all over the world are set to celebrate the auspicious day with joy and enthusiasm.
The 10-day festival started with Atham on Sept. 5, and will end with grand celebrations being held in every household in the state on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
Onam is one of the most important festivals in Kerala, as it is celebrated by people belonging to all religions and castes. According to a popular myth, the festival marks the home-coming of Asura king Mahabali, who was granted permission to visit his people every year before being sent to the netherworld (Pathalam) by Lord Vishnu in his avatar of Vamana.
Check: All you need to know about Onam | Popular Onam songs
Also check: Onam movies on Malayalam channels
The festival is celebrated through colourful rituals and ceremonies, including laying flower carpets (pokkalam), having sumptuous feast (sadya), engaging in activities like dance (thiruvathirakali), tiger dance (pulikali), tug-of-war (vadamvalli), and boat race (vallamkali). As part of the special day, Keralites also wear the traditional attire of the state -- white and golden sari for women and shirt and mundu for men.
Check out some wishes, messages and greetings in English to be shared with friends and family on Onam 2016:
The festival of Kerala is here,
A unique day celebrated by people of all religions,
Wishing you the warm greetings of the special day.
Happy Onam to all.
Happiness is spending time with cousins just like the good old days,
The auspicious festival Onam is here for us to be with our family,
Celebrate the day with a lot of happy moments.
Happy Onam to my dear ones.
May the God bless you and fill your heart with joy and happiness. May the colour and lights of Onam fill your home with happiness and joy. Have the most beautiful Onam this year.
The festival of Pokkalam, Sadya, Thiruvathirakali is here,
A time to celebrate and enjoy with friends and family,
May you be able to spend the day in the best ways possible,
Happy Onam 2016
Poovili Poovili Ponnonamayi.. Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Onam.
May this Onam be the most memorable day in your life,
With some cherishable moments that you can carry forward.
Spend the day with family.
Happy Onam
Lets welcome King Mahabali, who comes to visit his subjects once in a year during the festival season of Onam. May you be blessed with the greetings and wishes of the day. Happy Onam to you and your family.
Remember our childhood days when we used to celebrate Onam? Those were the best moments of my life. With us staying miles away I miss those wonderful times. May you have an awesome Onam celebration at home with your dear ones. Onam wishes to you.
O - Ormayude
N - Nanmayude
A - Aghoshangalde
M - Malayalikalude Ponnonam
Happy Onam
Welcome the King Mahabali by laying Pookalam, dancing to the steps of Thiruvathirakali and engaging in the Onam activities. Most importantly, have a sumptuous Onam sadya with more than 30 varieties. Have a great time with friends and family. Happy Onam.
Shehathindeyum Aishwaryathindeyum Sambalsamrudhiyodeyum Orayiram "Ponnonashamsakal"
To all my wonderful friends,
I'm hoping that this Onam festival be the start of your good and prosperous life.
Have fun with your family!
