The rain has seemingly abated, raising hope that weather might not play spoilsport on the much-anticipated Thiruonam day on September 8.
Onam marks the apogee of the auspicious first month of the Malayalam Calendar, Chingam. The festival is a major cultural and social event in the State's calendar and, for long, emblematic of Kerala's secular and inclusive heritage. In a considerable measure, Onam transcends religious, economic and regional differences.
Malayalis celebrate the day with friends and families fortified by a sumptuous traditional lunch spread on banana leaves. Tug-of-war, pole climbing, arm wrestling, and other feats of strength mark the day.
