Celebrations of ''Monsoon'' in various regions of India

KERALA

Kerala is distinct in culture and its uniqueness has made it popular to tourists all around the world. The culture of Kerala is also a composite and cosmopolitan to which several people and races have made their significant contributions. Kerala's population comprises of a large number of the people from the Dravidian race, who also inhibit most of the southern part of India. Hinduism is the principal religion with considerable percentages of Muslims and Christians. The gradual evolution of composite and cosmopolitans' culture led to the emergence of a spirit of tolerance and catholicity of outlook, which still persist among the people of Kerala.

After three months of monsoon, the sky becomes clear and the forests become green. The brooks and streams come alive, spouting a gentle white foam, the lakes and rivers overflow and lotuses and lilies are in full bloom as if to welcome the season. It is time to reap the harvest, to celebrate and to rejoice.

Onam is a celebration of ten days. It comes in the month of "Chingyam" according to Malayalam calendar. It is believed that during Onam, the deceased king Mahabali returns to Kerala to perceive the prosperity of the people of his erstwhile kingdom. The main attractions of the festival are the flower decorations (pookalam), the sumptuous feast (sadya) served on a banana leaf (vaza ela) and the gifts of new clothes (onapudava) and the hand clapping folk dance called kaikottikali. It is a festival that is celebrated by one and all irrespective of their caste or religion.

Boat race (Vallamkali)
Special features:
The snake boats (chundan vallams) – rowed in pairs - are ornamented with golden laces at the prow of the boats, flags and the ornamental umbrellas (kudas) at the centre. The full-throttle rowing of the oarsmen is accompanied by full-throated songs (vanchipattu), led by singers and followed by the oarsmen (all dressed in white mundu and turban).

Nehru Trophy Boat race at Punnamada, Alappuzha is one of the most significant and colourful boat races in Kerala. It is a world renowned event, held annually on the second Saturday of the month of August in the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha.

Aranmula Boat race, on the banks of the river Pampa, is the oldest in Kerala. Palliyodams, the unique Aranmula snake boats (chundan vallams) are regarded as the sacred vessel of Sree Parthasarathy.

The Monsoon Rejuvenation Therapy - Monsoon season is the most conducive to herbal oil therapies and a diet of medicinal porridges like marunnu kanji. 

The rice bran cake (ela ada) made with fresh coconut and jaggery toasted in a banana leaf is a special delicacy of the season.

The monsoon food festival at Ramada is held every Saturday’s and Sunday’s throughout July at Fennel- the multi cuisine restaurant at Ramada, Kochi.