Kerala’s beauty spots with ‘Onam’ in their names: What makes them special

Onattukara, Thrikkakara, Onamthuruthu.. Kerala has quite a few lesser-known and well-known places with ‘Onam’ in their names. While those like Onattukara and Thrikkakara are already well known for their historical significance, mythological connection and their Onam-related rituals, certain ‘Onam’ spots also deserve recognition. Let’s dive into their relevance, this Onam day.

The two ‘Onapparambu’
Kannur’s Onaparambu in Narathu panchayat exudes a nostalgic vibe of yore as the vast swathes of land bloom with flowers in myriad hues. Everyone in the panchayat heads to Onaparambu to pluck kakkapoo (torenia), thumba (leucas aspera), aripoo (senna auriculata) and Krishna kireedam (Clerodendrum paniculatum) that are traditionally used in athapookalams (floral patterns) in the Onam season. In the olden times, flowers weren’t imported from other states during the Onam season. Local flowers that bloom in the backyards or in Onaparambu were used to design beautiful athapookalams. Apparently, Onaparambu never ran out of flowers and kept spreading the sweet fragrance of enchanting flowers.

There is another Onaparambu in Payyannur Kunnaruvil too. Elderly people in the area recall that this Onaparambu was the spot where children could easily pluck flowers. Thumba, Krishna Kireedam, aripoo, kolambi (railway creeper) and Hanuman flower used to bloom in bunches at Onaparambu during the season, casting a mesmerising hue across this place.

Onakunnu
Onakunnu in Karivelloor is a quaint village where the rituals associated with Onam apparently existed even before Onam became popular! A few ancient documents found in the area describe this place as Thaduthittakovval. Centuries ago, the Chirakkal king’s army had defeated the mighty Vijayanagar army at Onakunnu. It is said that Tipu Sultan, too, was defeated at Onakunnu. As this place played a crucial role in stopping foreign armies, it was known as Thaduthittakovval. Another legend is that a village market had popped up every week where fresh agricultural produce and dried fish were sold. The place was then called Onakunnu, as it was a hill where dried (onakku) items were sold in heaps.

Thiruvonappuram
Thiruvonappuram in Peravoor had a popular temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and a nearby Agraharam where every day was celebrated like the Thiruvonam day. This was once the residential area of the Brahmin caste. It is said that the auspicious day of Thiruvonam was determined as per the Malayalam panchangam at this village.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that determining the auspicious day is also related to the rituals at Kottiyoor temple. It is on the day of Thiruvonam that the first puja is performed during the Kottiyoor Vaishakha festival, and the idol is bathed in 'palamruth' (milk mix) as an offering. In the olden days, the muhurat or the auspicious timing of this ritual too was determined at the village. Special percussion orchestra and unique art forms like Manjavilasamkuthu and Ponnin Sheeveli create a magnificent festive mood in the village on the day of Thiruvonam.