Glimpses of World History through Kerala and Dutch

The Dutch landed at the Malabar Coast for spice trade 106 years after the advent of Vasco de Gama.

Dutch in Kerala

കേരളചരിത്രത്തിലൂടെ ഡച്ച് സമൂഹം - മലയാളരൂപാന്തരം

പോര്‍ട്ടുഗീസില്‍ നിന്നും വാസ്കോഡിഗാമ കോഴിക്കോട് എത്തി 106 വര്‍ഷം കഴിഞ്ഞപ്പോള്‍ സുഗന്ധവ്യഞ്ജന വ്യാപാരത്തിന് ...

History of Kerala

Kerala History www.historyofkerala.com

Many of the mythological stories in Kerala are common with the rest of India coming from the same Vedic Storytelling History....

History of Trivandrum

Trivandrum History www.historyoftrivandrum.com

Trivandrum (Now Thiruvananthapuram) city and several other places in the district loom large in ancient tradition, folklore and literature....

Tripunithura, Kochi

Athachamayam Sets the Stage for Kerala’s 10-Day Onam Celebrations

August 2026 | Culture & Festivals

KOCHI: The festive spirit of Onam swept through Tripunithura on Sunday as the annual Athachamayam celebrations opened Kerala’s 10-day harvest festival season with a vibrant display of tradition, culture, and history.

The historic town, once the seat of the erstwhile Kochi royal kingdom, came alive with decorated elephants, colourful floats, percussion ensembles, and a rich variety of folk and classical art forms as thousands gathered along the procession route despite intermittent rain.

"Since the days of the royal era, Kochi and Tripunithura have been examples of secularism."
V D Satheesan, Kerala Chief Minister

Inaugurating the celebrations, Chief Minister V D Satheesan recalled Tripunithura’s long tradition of bringing together people across religious and social communities. He called for greater efforts to preserve Tripunithura’s architectural and cultural legacy, urging authorities to develop the town as a heritage city to protect remaining historic structures.

Procession & Cultural Highlights

State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob unfurled the traditional Atham flag, while Malayalam actor Jagadish flagged off the colourful procession from Atham Nagar.

Rhythmic Ensembles: Energetic beats of chendamelam and panchavadyam.
Folk & Classical Arts: Performances of Theyyam, Kolkali, Mayilattam, Ammankudam, Pulikkali, and Kathakali.
Global Attraction: Spectators from across the state alongside international visitors gathered along the streets.

Royal Traditions & Legends

Athachamayam holds deep ties to the Kochi royal family, commemorating the Maharaja's ceremonial procession from Tripunithura to the Vamanamoorthy Temple in Thrikkakara. The 10-day festivities mark the mythic annual return of King Mahabali, culminating on Thiruvonam (August 26).

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Cultural Heritage

When Onam Meant Play: The Traditional Games and Customs That Still Live in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM | Onam Special Feature

Before Onam became a season of shopping, stage shows, and organized competitions, it was a time when courtyards, village paths, and open fields became vibrant playgrounds.

For generations, the festival brought people together through games, songs, dances, and simple customs that required little beyond a group of people, an open space, and a willingness to join in. Many of these traditions were woven into everyday village life—Onam simply gave them a special place in the festive calendar.

A Courtyard Turned Playground

Traditional Onam games were largely community affairs. Men, women, and children often had their own games, while some activities brought entire groups together. The emphasis was not on winning a prize—the fun came from participation, teasing, cheering, and spending time together.

Uriyadi

Participants attempt to break a suspended earthen pot while facing humorous obstacles. The energetic crowd's cheers and friendly encouragement turn a simple contest into a festive spectacle.

Vadamvali

The iconic tug-of-war demands pure team coordination. One person's strength is rarely enough—every participant has to pull together, embodying Onam’s core spirit of togetherness.

Women, Songs, and the Thiruvathira Circle

Onam traditions are closely associated with women's group activities. Thiruvathirakali, performed by women standing in a circle around a traditional lamp, combines graceful movement, rhythm, and song. The dancers move in synchronized steps, creating a visual pattern that depends on everyone maintaining the rhythm together.

Grand Festive Spectacles

Pulikali (Tiger Dance): Associated particularly with Thrissur, performers paint their bodies in striking tiger patterns and dance to percussion beats—a hours-long transformation that turns the streets into a lively stage.
Vallamkali (Snake Boat Races): Long snake boats slice across Kerala's backwaters in synchronized rhythm, powered by large teams of rowers accompanied by rhythmic boat songs (*Vanchipattu*).

Games That Needed Almost Nothing

Not every traditional game required elaborate arrangements. Children played simple outdoor games using household objects, open yards, and the company of friends. Older generations recall spending full days outdoors, moving effortlessly from one game to another.

While the arrival of digital entertainment shifted spontaneous neighborhood play, cultural programs, schools, and residents' associations continue to keep these timeless traditions alive for younger generations.

Tags: Kerala Onam Traditions Folk Games

Sacred Art of Onavillu

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Heritage

The Sacred Colors of Onam: Consecration of Onavillu

Thiruvananthapuram | Thiruvonam Special | Uma Maheswari

In Kerala, the month of Chingam brings with it the most vibrant and joyful celebration — Thiruvonam. Falling on the Thiruvonam asterism, this festival is not just about feasts and flowers; it is also celebrated as the divine birthday of Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy.

On this auspicious day, the Maharaja follows an age-old royal tradition of offering the Lord a brocade and a grand gold-laced mundu, carefully wrapped in a yellow coarse cloth. But the true artistic and spiritual highlight of Thiruvonam at the temple is the consecration of the Onavillu.

A 500-Year Living Tradition

According to ancient temple archives (vide Churuna 24 Ola 55), ruler Veera Ravi Iravi Varma ordered the ceremonial submission of Onavillu to the temple over five centuries ago. The responsibility was entrusted to master craftsman Puthanangadi Kannalen Mathevan Kumaran Asari. Today, his direct descendants proudly preserve and carry forward this sacred honor.

What Exactly is an Onavillu?

Don’t let the name fool you. Though "Villu" translates to bow, an Onavillu is not a weapon. It is a flat, broad, meticulously crafted wooden plaque that tapers at both ends, made in large, medium, and small sizes.

Sacred Color Palette

The front and tapered edges are painted in a striking bright red, while the reverse side shines in vibrant yellow. A pair of these ceremonial plaques is placed on either side of the respective deity during Thiruvonam.

Mythological Motifs

Each plaque depicts sacred iconography: Ananthasayanam, Dasavatharam, and Krishnaleela. Later, Sree Uthradom Tirunal Marthanda Varma commissioned two additional themes: Ramayana and Ganesha.

The Ritual Submission Ceremony

The submission of Onavillu is an elaborate, deeply spiritual sequence that unfolds before dawn:

1. Dawn Arrival: Long before sunrise, craftsmen carry the Onavillus to the temple. The Sreekaryakkar and Thirumeni Kaavalkurup formally seek permission from the Swamiyar to receive them.
2. Flagpole Display: The Onavillus are reverently displayed on a fresh white cloth near the temple’s golden flagpole.
3. Procession: To the resonant beats of traditional temple music, priests of Sree Padmanabha, Sree Narasimha, and Sree Krishna carry them in procession to the Abhishravana Mandapam.
4. Final Consecration: Red silk tassels and cadjan leaf sheaths are tied to both ends. Priests then place them beside the main idols, where they remain in the inner sanctum for two and a half days.

"It’s not just a ritual. It’s art, devotion, and history — all coming together in one sacred moment."

Article by: Uma Maheswari Padmanabhaswamy Temple Onavillu Kerala Heritage

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

When Onakkodi Crossed Royal and Colonial Boundaries

Onam Season | Royal History & Heritage

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For generations, the exchange of new clothes has remained one of the most cherished traditions associated with Onam in Kerala.

Historical records indicate that the custom of presenting “onakkodi” was not merely a household practice. It was also observed in the royal circles of erstwhile Travancore, with records showing that even a British official and his family once received the traditional Onam gift from the queen.

The episode dates back more than two centuries, to the reign of Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bai, who ruled Travancore from 1810 to 1812 and subsequently served as Regent until her death in 1815.

"The clothes sent to Colonel Munro were not simply a royal courtesy, but a prasadam associated with Lord Sree Padmanabha."
Kerala Society Papers, Historical Royal Records

Among the rare documents preserved in the Kerala Society Papers are two letters written by the queen to Colonel John Munro and his wife. Munro, who served as the British Resident and later became Diwan, received an “onakkodi” during Onam in 1812 as an offering carrying religious and emotional significance.

The letter explained that Thiruvonam coincided with the “Thirunaal” (sacred birthday) of Lord Padmanabha. Expressing her affection, Lakshmi Bai sent clothes to Munro—whom she regarded as a brother—as well as his wife and children. A second letter revealed her personal concern for their health, mentioning prayers offered at the temple for their recovery.

Historical Insights & Traditions

Historian T P Sankarankutty Nair notes that gift exchanges during Onam were an established royal custom going back centuries, connecting rulers, tribal communities, and foreign dignitaries alike.

Reciprocal Goodwill: Colonel Munro is believed to have presented an Onam gift in return to the Queen.
Vijayanagara Royal Offerings: Historical accounts note a Vijayanagara ruler presenting a precious crown to Sree Padmanabhaswamy on a Thiruvonam day.
Living Tribal Heritage: The Kani tribe from Agasthyarkoodam foothills still brings thirumulkazhcha (forest produce) to the royal family in exchange for Onakkodi.

Legend of Mahabali & Padmanabha

Onam is rooted in the legend of King Mahabali’s annual visit to his prosperous kingdom. In Travancore tradition, Thiruvonam carries double reverence as it marks both Mahabali’s return and the sacred day of Lord Padmanabha.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Onavillu Kerala Heritage

Kerala & Beyond

When Onam Beckons, Kerala Begins to Move

August 2026 | Onam Travel & Traditions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is a particular rhythm to Kerala in the weeks before Onam. Railway booking screens fill with waitlists. Airports see a rush of passengers trying to get home. Textile showrooms pile up new collections. Flower sellers wait for consignments to arrive.

Vegetable markets prepare for a sudden rise in demand. And in homes across the state, families begin making lists — flowers, vegetables, clothes, groceries and, above all, the people who are expected to return.

This year, the anticipation is building towards August 26, when Kerala celebrates Thiruvonam, the high point of its annual Onam festivities. For a Malayali living outside Kerala, Onam often begins with a single question: How do I get home?

"For many Malayalis, the first expense of Onam is no longer the sadya or the Onakkodi. It is the ticket that brings them home."
The Annual Journey Home

Long before the pookkalam takes shape at the entrance of a house, expatriate Malayalis and people working across Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and the Gulf start planning their return. Demand remains exceptionally high despite over 100 special train services announced for the festival season.

Yet, the effort to return is driven by something that cannot easily be measured in money — the expectation of sitting around the same dining table with parents and siblings, the sight of children in new clothes, and the familiar smell of a kitchen preparing an Onam feast.

A State Dressed in Festival Colours

Across cities and towns, every market and home undergoes a complete transformation as the festive days approach:

A Kerala Dressed for Onam: Textile showrooms overflow with Kasavu sarees, mundus, and traditional wear as families purchase Onakkodi for loved ones.
Flowers Before Mahabali: Truckloads of bright yellow, orange, and red blossoms arrive across state borders to form elaborate circular pookkalams.
From Market to Sadya Table: Families gather large quantities of fresh provisions to ensure everyone finds a place around the plantain leaf on Thiruvonam.

A King Who Comes Home

Behind these celebrations lies the legend of King Mahabali, who was granted a boon by Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar to visit his people once a year. His annual arrival serves as a timeless metaphor for millions of Malayalis making their own journeys back to their roots.

Onam Festival Kerala Travel Thiruvonam

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Vizhinjam Port Begins EXIM Operations, Opens Gateway for India’s Trade

Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam International Seaport has entered a new phase with the commencement of Export-Import (EXIM) operations, marking a significant milestone in Kerala’s maritime sector. The first EXIM container movement was officially flagged off by Chief Minister Shri V. D. Satheesan, opening a new gateway for India’s international trade.

The launch strengthens Vizhinjam’s position as a world-class deep-water port strategically located near major global shipping routes. The port is expected to boost cargo movement, improve logistics connectivity, attract investments, and create new opportunities for trade and employment.

With its advanced infrastructure and natural advantages, Vizhinjam aims to emerge as a major transshipment and EXIM hub, enhancing Kerala’s role in global maritime commerce and contributing to India’s growth as a leading trading nation.

Vizhinjam Port Begins EXIM Operations, Opens Gateway for India’s Trade .....