After spending the last twenty years abroad, I missed the chance to return home for Onam. This year, the festival holds special significance for me, as I finally returned to Kerala, not only to reconnect with my roots but also to celebrate Onam. For the past  eight days, I’ve been staying at Thekkedy House, a peaceful homestay nestled in the heart of Thekkady, surrounded by lush cardamom fields. With five more days to enjoy, I’ve had the chance to immerse myself in both the serene atmosphere of Thekkady and the vibrant festivities of Onam.

A week ago, a local family kindly invited me to join their Onam celebration, and I was honored to be part of it, sharing a traditional Onasadya with them. The warm hospitality extended to me was truly memorable. Additionally, the host of Thekkedy House, a dedicated and hardworking woman entrepreneur, also invited me to join their own Onam celebration. Although I couldn’t attend their full Onasadya, her son graciously served me a delicious bowl of payasam a traditional dessert, which was a culinary highlight of my stay.

The Legend of King Mahabali: A Story of Generosity and Prosperity

At the heart of Onam lies the legend of King Mahabali a beloved ruler whose reign was marked by prosperity, equality, and happiness. According to the story, Mahabali was so generous and just that the gods, feeling threatened by his growing power, sent Vishnu in the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, to challenge him. Mahabali, true to his generous nature, granted Vamana’s request for land measured by his three steps. With the third step, Vamana pushed Mahabali into the netherworld, but in return for his generosity, Mahabali was allowed to visit his people once a year. Onam celebrates this homecoming, symbolizing the hope for happiness and prosperity in the land.

Onam Festivities and My Experience in Thekkady

1. Onasadya: The Grand Feast

The highlight of Onam is the Onasadya,a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, consisting of over 20-25 dishes. Some of the key dishes include:

   Avial: A mixed vegetable dish cooked in coconut and yogurt.

   Sambar: A tangy lentil and vegetable stew.

   Thoran: Stir-fried vegetables with coconut.

   Payasam: A sweet pudding made of rice or lentils, served as dessert.

Both the local family’s hospitality and the payasam at  Thekkedy House made this Onam celebration unforgettable. Moments like these highlighted the warmth and generosity of the people here in Kerala.

Exploring Thekkady: Chellarkovil’s Point and Natural Beauty

After the Onasadya and payasam, I took a trip to  Chellarkovil’s Point, a stunning viewpoint located close to Thekkady. It offers breathtaking views of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with cascading waterfalls and lush green valleys. Spending time at this serene location was the perfect way to unwind after the Onam festivities. We spent over an hour enjoying the fresh air and the calmness of nature before returning to  Thekkedy House .

Thekkedy House: A Comfortable Stay in the Heart of Nature

My stay at !Thekkedy House has been a peaceful retreat away from the busy streets, offering a homely atmosphere and natural surroundings. The house is perfect for solo travelers, families, or groups, offering cozy rooms and a welcoming environment. With the beauty of the nearby  cardamom fields, my stay here has been both relaxing and rejuvenating.

Thekkedy House has two beautiful rooms on one level with an open verandah, and on another level, two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room perfect for families or groups. Its location is very convenient, offering peaceful surroundings while being away from the crowded area of Kumily and serving as an ideal stop before heading to Munnar.

Just a short walk from the house is the local  Riya Spice Shop,where I had the opportunity to buy some of Kerala’s finest spices like  cardamom, pepper,and cloves. This shop adds an extra charm to the experience of staying at Thekkedy House, making it a unique destination.

Thekkedy House also has a  sister venture,Periyar Home, located nearby. It features three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room, and can comfortably accommodate at least 8 people, making it a great option for larger groups.

Onam Dances and Traditions in Kerala

The Onam festival is not complete without the traditional dances and performances that Kerala is known for. Some of the key performances include:

Thiruvathira: A graceful dance performed by women in traditional attire, celebrating marital bliss and womanhood.

Pulikali: A lively folk art where performers paint themselves as tigers and dance to drum rhythms, representing the playful side of Onam.

These performances highlight Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and add vibrancy to the Onam celebrations.

Conclusion: Celebrating Onam and Nature in Thekkady

This year’s Onam has been a blend of cultural festivities and natural beauty, thanks to my stay at Thekkedy House From the warm Onam greetings to the delicious payasam, and from the peaceful surroundings to the spectacular view at Chellarkovil’s Point,my experience has been filled with joy and connection to Kerala’s rich heritage.

Whether it’s the vibrant Onam traditions or the peaceful surroundings of Thekkady, this trip has reminded me of the beauty of Kerala, both in its culture and nature. As I continue my stay at  Thekkedy House ,I look forward to discovering even more of what this beautiful region has to offer.