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KittySomer
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Joined: 04 Jul 2007
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Jul 04, 2007 9:32pm Post subject: Onam Celebrations in Kerala |
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Onam is a great time to be in Kerala, as this beautifully lush green region combines a celebration of its warring and seafaring traditions with festivities honoring the ancient king Mahabali,
In some areas of the state, vibrant processions with resplendently caparisoned elephants are taken out. Pulikkali or leopard dance is another of the Onam special shows. Bodies painted with dots and fitted with appendages to resemble leopards, male dancers jump, roar and somersault to mimic the agility of the big feline. It is essentially a road show. Accompanied by drummers they drift through towns performing at busy junctions to please bemused crowds
Going back to the golden era of Onam, little girls and young women would enjoy the brisk sway on the swings hung out from every tree that was sturdy and had a suitable branch. Swaying up in the healthy spring air the maiden's hearts would grow light, and romantic. Naturally, Onappattu - Onam-songs from the background score for this dream-like pastime. Older women would engage themselves in the flock dance themselves in the flock dance form Kaikottikkali.
As the beautifully decorated snake boats race through Kerala's stately backwaters in the vallomkali, its shorelines come alive with several days of feasting and harvest celebrations. A Kerala Tourism must definitely be made to coincide with few of these festivals. |
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