Keralites from across the city gathered at the Ayyappan temple in Siddhapudhur area since early morning. The temple was exquisitely decorated with Onam special Athipoo Rangolis.
Onam, one of the major festivals of Kerala is being celebrated with great fervour by Keralites all across the world on Thursday, September 8. The celebrations of Onam began on Atham Day, ie, from August 30 and continued for 10 days till Thiruvonam Day.
Onam celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali, the great ruler of Kerala. It is believed that on Thiruvonam Day, the King visits every home (Keralites) and meets his people. Thus, during these ten days, people design elaborate Athipoo Rangolis in front of their houses and prepare delicious food to receive the King's blessings.
Coimbatore district, just adjacent to the state of Kerala comprises a large Malayali population. Accordingly, every year Onam festival is celebrated with festive abandon in Coimbatore. Today, Keralites came together with their families to worship at the famous Ayyappan temple in the Siddhapudhur area of Coimbatore, since early morning. The entire temple was beautifully decorated with 'Athipoo Kolam' for the Onam celebrations.
Keralites also celebrated Onam today by decorating their homes with 'Athipoo Rangolis,' sang Onam festival songs, prepared the famous sweet, sour and spicy 'Onam Sadya' meal, and joyfully celebrated with close relatives as well as by inviting friends to their homes to participate in the festival.
