what is onam in malayalam

Onam is an annual Indian harvest festival celebrated predominantly by the people of Kerala. It is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events. The festival probably has ancient origins and became intricately linked with Hindu legends at some later date. The significance of the festival is in Indian culture, of which two are more common: Mahabali and Vamana. Onam falls in the month of Chingam, which is the first month according to the Malayalam Calendar. The celebrations mark the Malayalam New Year, are spread over ten days, and conclude with Thiruvonam. The ten days are sequentially known as Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and Thiruvonam. The characteristic floral designs known as ‘pookkalam’ are symbolic of this festival, and women members of the house usually make different types of patterns on the ground with flowers and lit lamps to invite King Mahabali.