Onam festival is celebrated in which of the following states of India?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer:(A) Kerala

Onam is a major harvest festival of Kerala, celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm. It marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, whose reign is believed to have been a golden era of prosperity and happiness. The festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) and lasts for ten days, with the grand celebration on Thiruvonam (the 10th day).

Key traditions of Onam include:

• Pookalam (floral rangoli)
• Vallamkali (snake boat race)
• Onasadya (grand feast with traditional dishes)
• Pulikali (tiger dance performances)
• Kaikottikali (traditional dance by women)

• Onam is Kerala’s official state festival and is celebrated by all communities.
• The legend of Mahabali is associated with Vishnu's Vamana avatar, who pushed Mahabali to the underworld but granted him a yearly visit to his people.
• Athachamayam marks the beginning of Onam celebrations in Tripunithura, featuring cultural processions and folk art performances.
• The Onasadya (Onam feast) is a traditional multi-course vegetarian meal served on banana leaves with at least 26 dishes, including sambar, avial, payasam, and banana chips.
• Aranmula Boat Race and Nehru Trophy Boat Race are popular events conducted during Onam.
• The festival showcases Kerala's rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most significant festivals in South India.

•  Gujarat – Incorrect.

  • Gujarat is famous for Navratri and Uttarayan (Kite Festival), not Onam.

• Maharashtra – Incorrect.

  • Maharashtra celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi and Gudi Padwa, but Onam is not a major festival there.

• Arunachal Pradesh – Incorrect.

  • Arunachal Pradesh has its own tribal festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Solung, but Onam is not celebrated there.