Onam’s Forgotten Roots: How a Hindu civilisational tradition was recast in modern Keralam’s political narratives

As Keralam prepares to celebrate Onam this year, the ten day festivities will culminate in Thiruvonam on August 26, following the opening of the celebrations with on August 16. Across the state, homes, mandirs and public spaces will come alive with pookkalams (floral decorations), Onasadya (grand feasts) cultural programmes and traditional festivities. Onam is today presented in many public…