A Superb Onam 2007 Greeting Card

Click here to see Onam Greeting card 2009

Onam 2008 is on 12 Sep 2008


I wish you a wonderful Onam

Click the card to ENLARGE [800x600 pixels]


See these beautiful cards too... click to larger view
Onam greetings card

Onam greetings card


If you want this card with your name just send mail to binojxavier@aim.com




Hope you like it!

Have a wonderful Onam 2007
Onam (ഓണം), a harvest festival, is celebrated in Kerala, a state in India. It generally falls in the months of August-September. Onam is a celebration to mark the annual return of the spirit of the mythical King Mahabali to his kingdom, and a commemoration of his benevolent rule and his sacrifice. The festivities are intended to assure the King that his people are happy and to wish him well.

Read More on Onam festival Kerala

Some Beutiful Kerala Wallpapers


When is Onam?

Onam 2009 is on Wednesday September 2

When is Thiru Onam?

Onam carnival continues for ten days, starting from the day of Atham and culminating on Thiru Onam. Atham and Thiru Onam are the most important days for Onam festivities. The day of Atham is decided by the position of stars. Onam festival commences from lunar asterism (a cluster of stars smaller than a constellation) Atham (Hastha) that appears ten days before asterism Onam or Thiru Onam. Atham is regarded as auspicious and holy day by people of Kerala. Thiru Onam corresponds to the Shravan day in the month of August or September, hence it is also called Sravanotsavam.

At this time sun is in the Zodiac sign of Leo (Simha rasi), which happens to be the sun's house as well.

Significance of Onam Day in Mythology
The dayof Onam is decided in accordance with the legend of King Mahabali in whose honor Onam is celebrated. People believe that it was this particular day in the month of Chingam when Lord Vishnu took his fifth avatar as Vaamana, appeared in the kingdom of King Mahabali and sent him to nether world.

People believe that it is on the last day, Tiruonam that the spirit of King Maveli visits Kerala, hence the day is marked by feast and festivities. Devotees of Maveli celebrate the golden era witnessed in Maveli's reign during Onam. To welcome their revered ruler, people lay flower mats (Pookalam) in the front courtyard, prepare a grand meal (Onasadya), dance, play and make merry. All this is done to impress upon King Mahabali that his people are prosperous and happy.

A Brief History of Onam
It is believed that Onam celebrations started during the Sangam Period. Record of celebrations can be found from the time of Kulasekhara Perumals (800 AD). At that time Onam celebrations continued for a month.

Harvest Time
As it is a harvest season, the beautiful state of Kerala can be seen in its magnificent best. Weather is pleasantly sunny and warm calling for mirth and celebrations. Fields look brilliant as they glow with golden paddy grains. It is also the boom time of fruits and flowers. After the month of deprivation, Karkidakam (last month of Malayalam Calendar), farmers are happy with a bountiful harvest and celebrate the festival to the hilt.

Onappookkalam - floral designs


Click the Photos to Enlarge


imagesource

imagesource

imagesource

imagesource

imagesource

imagesource

imagesource

imagesource
All Pookkalam photographs are ©Copyrighted to respected photographers I found on flickr. Thanks


Related Posts

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hi Binoj,
Thanks For this nice Onam Card. Thanks for my personal Version too. Wish you a Fantastic Onam

Aravind,
Hyderabad
India
Anonymous said…
Wishing a happy and prosperous onam.

Once upon a lifetime in kerala