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Onam 2024
Onam Festival: Celebration of Tradition, Prosperity and Giri's Exclusive Collection of Onam
Onam is the grand harvest festival of Kerala, marking the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. It falls over a span of 10 days and draws communities together in a way that epitomizes prosperity, unity as well as cultural heritage. The occasion is filled with vibrant traditions, mouth-watering feasts and colorful floral arrangements. Onam occupies a special place in the heart of Keralites. Let's delve into some interesting facts about Onam, its unique customs and products available on Giri.in which could upgade your festivities.
A Glimpse into History and Traditions of Onam
Onam falls in the month of Chingam, which roughly comes in the month of August-September according to the Gregorian calendar. It intrinsically originates from the legend of King Mahabali-a demon king noted for his generosity and just rule. According to Hindu mythology, the festival is a time when Mahabali visits his kingdom every year and a gesture of respect to his rule is shown by every household trying to appear as prosperous and happiest.
The epitome of Onam is Thiruvonam, the last day of the festival, which is celebrated with great feasts, very intricate flower Carlson (Pookalam), and a number of traditional sports, one of the most prominent being Vallam Kali, the boat race. Onam Sadya consists of more than 26 dishes served on banana leaves, like avial, thoran, sambar as well as payasam, in a delicious vegetarian feast. Kasavu sari is the typical traditional attire worn by women during Onam, while mundu is worn by men.
Onam Giri Products
Giri brings a set of exclusive products that will add grandeur to your Onam celebration. Their Onam collection will see you through with all the things, from spiritual needs to decorative ones.
- Pookalam Essentials
The more famous customs of Onam are the Pookalam or the floral rangoli depicting prosperity and welcoming King Mahabali into homes. Giri's set of real and artificial flowers will come in handy to create a vibrant and intricate Pookalam.
Marigold and Jasmine Flower Garlands: Bright and fragrant, these garlands are apt for Pookalam decoration as also for temple rituals of Onam.
- Onam Sadya Serveware
The grandeur of the feast of Onam or Sadya is incomplete sans the right serveware. Giri offers traditional banana leaf platters, copper and brass utensils, and spiritual décor that go along with the ritual customs of the festival.
Brass Urli: This traditional bowl may be used for serving dishes or creating floral water arrangements with floating flowers.
Banana Leaf Plates: Giri's environmentally friendly, disposable banana leaf plates are a great way to simulate the real Onam Sadya experience-serving your feast on these plates.
- Traditional Attire and Ritual Items
style="text-align:justify;"Onam is the time when people wear traditional finery. Giri's collection has Kasavu saris and mundus-both the traditional white and gold attire that people wear during Onam festivities.
Kasavu Sari: Lush, pure white sari with golden borders to wear for women who participate in Onam rituals.
Mundu: Traditional garment for males to add an extra touch of elegance to the festival spirit.
- Spiritual Items for Onam Rituals
Onam is associated with different rituals performed by the family members to appease gods and invoke the spirit of thanksgiving for the year's produce. Giri's Onam collection includes lamps, incense sticks, and pujah items to make your prayers and offerings complete.
- Nilavilakku made of brass: The traditional lamp, without which no Onam ritual is complete, is available in different sizes at Giri.
Incense Sticks and Camphor: Choose from Giri's range of premium quality incense sticks and camphor to use in your puja.
Interesting Facts About Onam
Pookalam Competitions: Throughout the 10 days of Onam, Pookalam competitions go on in every society of Kerala. As many as 10 types of flowers are used by people to create brilliant, complicated designs. The first day sees simple designs while as the days progress; the designs become increasingly complicated.
Boat Races: One of the famous Vallam Kali or snake boat races attracts thousands of tourists and is a highlight of Onam. These races comprise over 100 rowers who man up to 100 feet long boats.
Tourist attraction: Onam does not stay restricted to Kerala; it has become an event for the whole world. One could see 1.96 million tourists arriving in Kerala during the Onam season of 2023 alone, probably one of the most popular festivals anywhere in the world.
Onam Sadya: Traditionally, the Sadya is served on banana leaves. Typically, the courses are from 26 to 30, differing with the region. Sadya covers a multi-course meal; it's a delightful experience for both locals and visitors.
Onam is that time of the year when the beautiful confluence of spirituality, culture and community comes alive. You can enrich the experience with products from Giri's Onam collection, traditional and authentic. From decorating your home with Pookalam to readying yourself for Onam Sadya, here's a wide range of products on offer by Giri to make your celebration truly special.
Let these handpicked pieces of Giri bring in a hint of tradition and elegance in the homecoming of King Mahabali. A blissfully prosperous Onam to one and all!