The festivities Every home in Kerala buzzes with activity during Onam. Boat races are organized on a grand scale. The boats are gigantic, carrying about a hundred oarsmen. While rowing, they sing praises of Bali and other great persons of Kerala in chorus. People have a gala time observing the races.
People clean their homes and decorate the walls of their homes with coconut and banana leaves.
Even though, there is no deity associated with Onam, the lady of the house performs a puja. Everyone in the house is up early, taking a bath, dressing in clean clothes, and putting on gold jewellery. The women then gather around and dance and sing special songs in praise of Bali. Deliciously cooked food is served on huge banana leaves. Rice is the main dish served with different types of vegetable curry.