The most important and widely celebrated festival of Kerela is _________.

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Onam

• Onam is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in the state of Kerala.

• It is a harvest festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by people of all communities in the state.

• The festival usually falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September) and lasts for 10 days, with the most important day being Thiruvonam.

• It commemorates the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, under whose rule Kerala was said to have witnessed a golden era of prosperity and equality.

• Traditional highlights include the Vallam Kali (boat race), Pookalam (floral rangoli), Onam Sadya (feast), Pulikali (tiger dance), and various folk performances.

Information Booster:
• Onam is the official state festival of Kerala.
• It promotes the message of unity, prosperity, and cultural pride.
• The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Christians, and Muslims alike in Kerala.
• The Onam Sadya is a traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves with up to 26 dishes.
• The Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race) held on the Pamba River is world-famous.
• Declared a national festival by the Government of India in 1961.