[They also observe the occasion as "Kwati Purnima". Kwati, a soup prepared from nine different beans, is a special delicacy added to the Nepali menu today. In Tamil Nadu, the state government declared local holiday in Chennai, Coimbatore
This festival observed by the Hindus, especially of the Shaiva sect, on the full moon day of August is also popularly known as "Gunhu Punhi" in the Newar community.
According to time-honoured tradition, the people receive the ´Rakshya Bandhan´ thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet. The yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmins as a symbol of protection from fear and disease. They also observe the occasion as "Kwati Purnima".
Kwati, a soup prepared from nine different beans, is a special delicacy added to the Nepali menu today.
The "Kulabarna Tantra" Tantrik text says that the soup is highly nutritious and keeps diseases at bay.
In the Terai region, there is a tradition in which sisters tie an attractive "Rakhi" around the wrists of their brothers wishing them long life and prosperity.
Today, thousands of devotees worship lord Shiva at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu and at Kumbheswor in Lalitpur and take holy dips in ponds and lakes.
Religious fairs are held at Gosaikund, an alpine area in Rasuwa District, and at Dansanghu, Triveni in Jumla District to observe the festival with offerings of worship to Lord Shiva.
A big religious fair takes place at the Gosaikund Lake
By Sathyalaya Ramakrishnan
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'Pookolam', a decoration with colourful flower petals,
outside their residence on the occasion of Onam festival in Chennai.
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People cutting across Class and caste, decorated their homes with floral carpets (Aththa Poo Kolam) to welcome the annual re-visit of Mahabali.
The legend has it that ‘Asura’ king Mahabali was banished to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu, who took the incarnation of Vamana (the dwarf), under pressure from ’Devas’, who were jealous of the King’s popularity.
Before his departure, the King secured an assurance from Lord Vishnu that he would be allowed to visit his subjects on ‘Thiruvonam’ day of Malayalam calendar every year.
The festivities scaled to its crescendo in the last couple of days with towns and villages thronged by men, women and children going out for their festive shopping. Most items associated with Onam celebrations including flowers are brought from neighboring States as Kerala’s domestic production is not enough to meet the festive demand.
Bringing relief of the common-man, the State agencies organised hundreds of special fares across Kerala where essentials and vegetables were sold at subsidized rates.
Cultural events, showcasing the best of Kerala’s performing arts, were organised here as well as other cities and towns for a week.
The Kerala state officially honored renowned actor Kamal Hasan, who was the chief guest at the Onam-Tourism Week celebrations in Trivandrum
In rural areas, local youth clubs organized art and sports competitions to revive folk arts and rural sporting traditions, many of which are on the verge of extinction.
’Onasadya’ (a sumptuous feast) was another highlight of the day as people assembled for their lunch in their homes after invoking the blessings of King Mahabali.
Tamil Nadu Governer Surjit Singh Barnala, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi main opposition leader and former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Kerala Governor R.S. Gavai, Chief Minister V.S. Achtuthanandan and leaders of all political parties greeted Malayalees at home as well as abroad.
In Tamil Nadu, the state government declared local holiday in Chennai, Coimbatore
