Occasion Wear
A celebration of prosperity, relationships, family, and community, Onam is the most joyous event that every Malayali looks forward to each year! A harvest festival that brings everyone together, the spirit of Onam follows Malayalis wherever they go. But Onam is not just a harvest festival; it has wonderful lore behind it as well as tonnes of fun activities attached to it. Traditional feasts, community celebrations, family gatherings, colours, flowers, games, new clothes—onam is the best time of the year without a doubt. If you are a Malayali, you don’t need any tutorials teaching you how to celebrate Onam, but still, if you have little ones in your family, here is a list of some fun activities to try with children this Onam.
Onam and it’s lore
Onam is an ancient harvest festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, but there are also several legends associated with it, and the most popular among them is the legend of Mahabali. The legend revolves around a benevolent asura king named Mahabali, who was loved by the people for his good rule. But as the time went by, the gods got envious of Mahabali’s popularity and sought the help of Lord Vishnu, who agreed to help them. Vishnu took on the form of a Brahmin boy called Vamanan. He then approached Mahabali and asked him for 3 feet of land. Mahabali, being the kind and benevolent king, granted his wish. Upon getting his wish, the boy suddenly started to transform and grow to an enormous size, and in his first two steps he covered the earth and sky.
The king bowed down to the lord and offered his head for the third step. Impressed by his devotion, Vishnu granted him a wish before banishing the king to the netherworld. The king, fond of his kingdom, asked for the boon to visit his people once a year. Today onam is celebrated every year by Malayalis to celebrate the yearly visit of their beloved king Mahabali, and the 10-day festivities include flower arrangements, traditional feasts, games, boat races, traditional performances, and gift exchange. This lore behind Onam also tags it as celebration in reminiscence of a better time in which inequalities and corruption did not exist and people were happy and satisfied. When we talk about Onam, it’s impossible to skip on this extraordinary legend, but now let’s explore some fun activities to do with kids.
Arrange a pookalam with kids
The flower arrangement called ‘pookalam’ in Malayalam is one of the highlights of onam celebrations, and arranging pookalam is a main event when you celebrate onam. Welcome the Onam spirit by going flower picking with your little ones, teaching them the right way to cut up different types of flowers and leaves, and arranging a pretty pookalam with them. If you have your extended family with you to celebrate onam, you can also conduct a small pookalam contest with the little ones!
Helping hands to make onam sadhya
Making a scrumptious onam sadhya is no simple task, so you can assign simpler tasks to kids and make it an engaging and educational occasion. But sometimes kids can be more trouble than help around the kitchen, and if that’s the case with your little ones, let them make their own ‘kid sadhya’ outside with flowers, mud, and leaves.
Storytime
Onam is an occasion where families unite, so it’s the perfect instance for a storytime. Gather the kids around and explain the legend of Mahabali and Onam, and pass down the spirit and message of this colourful celebration to the next generation. You can also recount funny stories regarding past Onam celebrations and kid-friendly inside jokes of family on this occasion!
Games of onam
There are many traditional games surrounding Onam, so bring them back for your little ones and enjoy with them! Take them to see performances like pulikali and engage in the spirit of onam. Set up a traditional swing and let the kids enjoy the joys of swaying and almost touching the skies on a swing.
Fashion time!
For Malayalis, Onam is an occasion where they bring their fashion A game, so don’t let your kids miss out on the fun of dressing up in traditional and fusion clothes! Step into a world of elegance and whimsy with Zach and Kiki’s ‘festive elegance’ onam collection. Visit our website or Kochi showroom with your little ones and let them explore the crochet blooms and butterflies we have arranged at Zach and Kiki to celebrate this onam!
Wishing you a fun and fashionable onam!
Ready to celebrate a fun and fashionable onam this year with your little ones, but can’t find the right fit for your little fashionista even at the best baby shops in Kochi? Find the finest and safest festive garments and kids dress in Kerala at Zach and Kiki! We wish you an Onam filled with colours, laughter, and happiness. Connect with us and let’s make your little one the best-dressed baby in town!
