Photos: Onam 2017 colours Kerala in vibrant hues

Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities.

Updated on: Sep 04, 2017 5:24 PM IST

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The southern-most state of Kerala welcomes the Malayalee harvest festival of Onam. The 10-day-long celebration of Onam - the harvest festival transforms the state like no other with festivities such as boat races, tiger dances, elaborate flower arrangements and a mask dance.Women, clad in traditional white silk saris with golden borders and fresh jasmine strings dangling along their long tresses dance to the tune on the occasion. (Vivek Nair / HT Photo)

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Onam is celebrated to honour King Mahabali, who according to legend ruled the state once, under whom the people were equal, prosperous and happy.

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Floral competition is part of the celebrations, many clubs, resident associations and college vie for prizes.

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Women indulge in cultural activities and make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King Mahabali.

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Women create floral patterns as part of Pookalam competitions. Being a harvest festival and a family affair, on Thiruonam it’s mostly a family affair with families confined to their homes and attending to guests serving traditional Onam Sadhhya- a feast involving traditional delicacies cooked with vegetables and spices from Kerala and payasam- sweet dish. (Vivek Nair / HT Photo)

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The state capital of Thiruvananthpuram is decked up with colourful lights for the festival.

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Percussion (chenda) artists add to the fervour of celebration .

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The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.

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Flower merchants to sweet wallahs do a roaring business during the season of plenty . People thronged markets till last night to buy their favorite items for Onam celebrations.