Onam Gift Ideas

Onam this year is just about a week away, it falls on September 12, Friday. Being the principal celebration in Kerela (and for Malayalees round the world), it's also one of the many harvest festivals in India. A festival that celebrates a happy blend of myth and reality, Onam is part of the cultural repertoire of every Malayalee.

The celebrations begin within a fortnight of the Malayalam New Year and go on for ten days. Most would await the Thiruonam day when the spirit of the legendary King Mahabali is believed to visit their home. After all its only once in a year that they get this chance, ever since the Great King sacrificed all just to keep his promise. Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as a dwarf(Vaman) after having taken all of Bali's possessions granted him his wish of being able to meet his subjects once a year. Hence during Onam, the King's faithful subjects try to re-live the prosperous and truthful lives led by people at large during his reign. The feast and festive mood of the people, dressed in their best, is considered a reminiscence of those times. Being dressed in new clothes has another significance. The 'Vastra' stands for heart and by wearing new clothes you try to make your heart new by removing all bad thoughts and feelings.

Perhaps that is the reason why Onakkodi(New apparels) is the most important gift for Onam. As per tradition Onakkodi is gifted to near and dear ones during Onam. Additionally, several other Onam gifts like jewellery, flowers, aesthetic indoor decoration are also in vogue these days.

Several Online shopping sites stock Onam Gifts with a view to enable Malayalees across the globe send Onam gifts to their loved ones. Why, you can even find items such as dry chips, sweet chips and snacks too, which obviously give you a range of choices to send Onam gifts.

What would you like to receive as Onam Gift this year? Also, what do you plan to gift your loved ones this Onam?

Lets hear from you and see which other Onam gift ideas we all come up with!