India’s Grand Onam Festival set Off from Kerala, Promising a Surge in Tourism with Thousands Flocking to Cultural Celebrations Across the State

Onam is an annual harvest and cultural festival rooted in Hindu traditions, predominantly celebrated in Kerala. As the official festival of the state, it holds immense significance and is marked by a wide range of cultural activities. Onam commemorates Vamana, the fifth avatar of Vishnu, and the generous yet prideful king Mahabali, this year Onam will fall from 6 Sept – 15 Sept.

According to Hindu mythology, after Mahabali defeats Indra, the king of the devas, the devas seek refuge in Vishnu, who intervenes to restore Indra’s power. The festival spans ten days, with each day—Atham, Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom, and Thiruvonam—holding special significance.

Onam Festivities Draw Thousands of Tourists, Boosting Kerala’s Tourism Industry

Thousands of local and international tourists flock to Kerala to partake in the Onam festivities, making it a truly grand experience. The vibrant celebration of Onam draws widespread attention, leading to a significant boost in Kerala’s tourism during the festival.

Traditional Onam Activities:
Onam is celebrated with various cultural events, including traditional dances, boat races (Vallamkali), and the creation of intricate flower rangolis (Pookalam). The festival is also known for the grand Onam Sadya feast. Key traditional activities include:

• Pulikali (Tiger Dance): Performers paint themselves as tigers and dance to drumbeats, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
• Kathakali: A classical dance form featuring elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and storytelling through expressive gestures and facial expressions.
• Thiruvathira Kali: A graceful dance performed by women, depicting scenes from mythology and everyday life.

Key Airports for Festival Travel

• Cochin International Airport (COK): Cochin International Airport, one of Kerala’s busiest hubs, sees a significant influx of travelers during the Onam festival as people return home to celebrate. The airport offers seamless connectivity, making it a gateway for visitors looking to experience Kerala’s vibrant Onam festivities.
• Karipur International Airport (CCJ): Karipur International Airport, also known as Calicut International Airport, becomes particularly busy during the Onam season, welcoming expatriates and tourists alike. The airport plays a crucial role in facilitating travel for those attending Onam celebrations across northern Kerala.
• Thiruvananthapuram International Airport: As the capital city’s main airport, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is a key entry point for visitors arriving for Onam. The airport handles increased traffic during the festival, connecting travelers to the cultural heart of Kerala.
• Kannur International Airport (CNN): Kannur International Airport witnesses a surge in passengers during the Onam festival, with many Keralites flying in to partake in the celebrations. The airport serves as an important hub for the northern regions of Kerala, especially during this festive period.
• Sathram Airstrip: Sathram Airstrip, though smaller, sees an uptick in activity during Onam as it serves travelers heading to more remote festival locations. This airstrip is ideal for those seeking a quicker route to celebrate Onam in Kerala’s less accessible areas.
• Chipsan-Orange Hills Helipad: The Chipsan-Orange Hills Helipad offers convenient access to Kerala’s scenic regions during the Onam festival. It provides a unique travel option for those wishing to experience Onam festivities in the state’s hill stations.
• Lakeshore Hospital Helipad: Located near major medical facilities, the Lakeshore Hospital Helipad can see increased use during the Onam festival, catering to both medical and private travelers. It’s a vital point of connectivity for those needing swift transport during the festive season.

Airlines Prepare for Onam:

• Emirates Airline: Emirates Airline experiences a surge in bookings during the Onam festival as many Keralites living abroad choose to fly home for the celebrations. The airline offers special services and convenient connections to Kerala, making it a popular choice for those returning for Onam.
• Air India Office: The Air India Office in Kochi sees increased activity during the Onam season, assisting travelers with their holiday plans. The airline provides additional flights and offers to accommodate the high demand for travel to Kerala during this festive period.
• Indigo Kochi: Indigo’s Kochi operations ramp up during the Onam festival, with the airline adding extra flights and services to meet the needs of travelers. Indigo’s extensive domestic network ensures that more people can join in the Onam celebrations across Kerala.

Onam Celebrations Across Dining Venues:

• Persian Terrace: Celebrate Onam with a fusion of Kerala flavors and Persian culinary delights in Bengaluru.
• Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield: Offers a grand Onam feast with authentic Kerala dishes in a luxurious setting.
• Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel: Blends tradition with modern luxury in its Onam Sadya celebration.
• Hotel Royal Orchid: Experience a warm and festive Onam atmosphere with a lavish spread of traditional dishes.
• Kappa Chakka Kandhari: Known for its authentic Kerala cuisine, offering a special Onam menu in a cozy setting.
• Kebab Corner, Intercontinental Marine Drive: Infuses Onam flavors into a blend of Kerala and Mughlai cuisines for a unique dining experience.

Onam Traditions: Experience the Thrill of Vallamkali, the Beauty of Pookalam, and the Flavors of the Grand Sadya

• Vallamkali (Boat Races):
  Vallamkali, or boat races, are a highlight of Onam celebrations. Decorated boats, propelled by skilled oarsmen, race through the waters in a powerful display of community spirit and teamwork.
• Pookalam (Flower Rangoli):
  Pookalam involves creating intricate floral designs on the floor using various flowers and natural materials. It symbolizes welcome, prosperity, and the joy of celebration.
• Onam Sadya (Grand Feast):
  The Onam Sadya is a traditional meal served on a banana leaf, featuring a variety of dishes, such as Parippu (lentil soup), Sambhar (vegetable stew), Avial (mixed vegetable dish), Olan (pumpkin and coconut milk curry), and Payasam (sweet dessert). Each dish is arranged in a specific order, showcasing the richness of Kerala’s culinary traditions.

Top Onam Destinations:

• Thripunithura: Known for hosting numerous cultural events throughout the 10 days of Onam, making it a prime destination for celebration.
• Thrikkakara Temple: A must-visit for an enriching cultural and spiritual experience during Onam.
• Thrissur: The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur comes alive with vibrant Onam festivities.
• Trivandrum: Kerala’s capital city offers a captivating setting for Onam celebrations.
• Aranmula: A serene village in Pathanamthitta district, known for its traditional Onam celebrations.
• Alleppey: With its picturesque setting, Alleppey offers a tranquil escape for an extraordinary Onam experience.

Explore Kerala’s Culinary Traditions:

• Appam with Stew: A classic Kerala breakfast dish, featuring rice pancakes paired with a rich coconut-based stew.
• Karimeen Pollichathu: A traditional dish of marinated fish grilled in banana leaves, capturing Kerala’s coastal essence.
• Erissery: A vegetarian dish made with pumpkin, lentils, and coconut, seasoned with spices.
• Palada Payasam: A sweet, creamy dessert made with rice flakes, milk, and sugar, often flavored with cardamom.
• Kerala Prawn Curry (Chemmeen Curry): A spicy curry with prawns in a coconut-based gravy, infused with traditional spices.
• Thalassery Biryani: A fragrant biryani made with small-grained rice, aromatic spices, and marinated meat or seafood.

Key Events and Festivals Across Kerala

• Neelamperoor Padayani
  Palli Bhagavathi Temple, Neelamperoor
  
• Dashavatara Charth
  Vamanapuram Vamanamoorthy Temple
  
• Athachamayam
  Thripunithura, Ernakulam
  
• Thrikkakkara Vamana Moorthy Temple Utsavam
  Thrikkakara, Ernakulam
• Guruvayoor Thriputhari
  Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple, Thrissur
  
• Nehru Trophy Boat Race
  Punnamada Lake
  
• Mannar Mahatma Boat Race
  Mannar, Alappuzha
  
• State-level Onam Celebrations
  Thiruvananthapuram
  
• Kazhcha Kula Samarpanam
  Paramekkavu Temple
  
• Kazhcha Kula Samarpanam
  Thiruvambadi, Thrissur
  
• Guruvayoor Kazhcha Kula Samarpanam
  Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple, Thrissur
  
• Uthradom Thirunal Pamba Boat Race
  River Pamba, Neerattupuram, Alappuzha
  
• Neerettupuram Vallamkali
  
• Vanara Sadhya
  Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
  
• Thiruvonam
  
• Thiruvonathoni
  
• Pallassana Onathallu
  Meenkulathi Bhagavathi Temple, Vadakkethara
  
• Onavillu Samarpanam
  Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
  
• Thiruvonam Dina Prasada Oottu
  Mithranandapuram Vamanamoorthy Temple, Thrissur
  
• Payippad Boat Race
  Alappuzha
  
• Kunnamkulam Onathallu
  Thrissur
  

Airfares and Travel Trends for Onam:
As the festival season approaches, airfares are on the rise, with prices increasing by 10-15% on major domestic routes for Diwali, and 20-25% for key cities in Kerala during Onam. This trend reflects the strong demand for travel as people plan to reunite with family and celebrate these significant cultural events.

Despite the overall increase, some routes have seen a decrease in ticket prices, such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad, which has dropped by 27%, and Bengaluru-Hyderabad, down by 23%. The figures represent average one-way fares for non-stop flights during the Onam season, with price fluctuations ranging from a 1-25% increase on certain routes to a 6-35% decrease on others.

Kerala’s tourism is deeply intertwined with its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant festivals like Onam, which draw visitors from around the world. Onam, in particular, showcases the state’s traditions through grand celebrations, elaborate feasts, and colorful events, making it a prime time for both domestic and international tourists to experience Kerala’s unique charm.

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