Onam

Both Hindu and non-Hindu communities participate in the Onam celebration, holding grand processions, boat races and traditional folk dances like the Pulikali, or ‘tiger dance’.

Traditional activities include donating to charity, buying new clothes and jewellery, exchanging gifts, visiting relatives and spending time with family.

Floral decorations - called Pookkalam - are placed on the ground in front of homes to welcome the mythical King Mahabali.

On the final day of the festival, rice flour batter is applied to the entrances of homes as a sign of welcome and people wear their new clothes.

• Onam begins with a parade called Athachamayam, which includes dancing, colourful floats and caparisoned elephants.
• Onam is renowned for its snake boat competitions which reenact a legendary naval battle between King Mahabali and the Devas.
• The festival lasts for 10 days; each day has unique significance and rituals.

Get into the spirit of Onam with these activities.

Design a Pulikali (tiger) mask

What you'll need

• A white paper plate
• Scissors
• A selection of paints, coloured pens or pencils – red, orange and brown work best. (Tip: use puffy paint or scented markers)
• A black marker pen
• Craft glue (optional)

How to make a tiger mask

1. Cut out two eyeholes on the paper plate. A child with vision impairment may need help to do this. Set these pieces aside for the ears.
2. Use the black marker pen to draw on the nose, mouth, and tongue of the tiger.
3. Colour the mask orange or brown, using red for the nose and mouth. Use scented markers or puffy paint for a more sensory experience.
4. Add some tiger stripes using the black marker.
5. If adding ears, use the cutout pieces from the eyes, colour in and attach with the glue.
6. Your mask can be worn directly, using a piece of elastic, or taped to a wooden spoon to be held in front of the face while dancing and roaring like a tiger!

Make Pookkalam decorations

What you'll need

• A paper plate
• A selection of freshly picked flowers, such as daisies, dandelions or buttercups.

How to make flower decorations

1. Gently pull the petals from the flowers.
2. Arrange some petals in the centre of the plate in a small circle, adding more to the outside to build up a circular pattern until the plate is covered.
3. Encourage your child to touch and smell the flowers, and to hold them close to their ear to identify different sounds made as they twist, press and move them.

Decorate Pookkalam biscuits

What you'll need

• A packet of plain biscuits (Rich Tea or digestives would work well).
• Icing tubes for cake decorating
• Sugar flower decorations (optional)

How to make Pookkalam biscuits

1. Spread out the biscuits on a tray or other clean surface.
2. Use the icing tubes to draw different coloured and shaped flowers on each biscuit. The more colourful the better!
3. Alternatively, add dots of icing to each biscuit and arrange the sugar flowers on top. Wait a little while for the icing to set before moving the biscuits onto a plate.
4. Share the biscuits with friends and family as part of your Onam festivities!

Fun websites for children

There are many websites which explore Onam in a child-friendly way. Here are some links to get you started:

• 15 Fun Activities to Celebrate Onam with Kids (artsycraftsymom.com)
• Onam Activities for Kids (playfulhomeducation.com)
• The story of Onam: https://youtu.be/jZsnO7Zpf_c