Onam

High school (ages 12+)
Holidays & Celebrations

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/onam

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the festival type?Annual harvest and Hindu cultural festival
2. What is the official status?Official festival of Kerala, India
3. Why do people make pookalam during Onam?They create colorful flower carpets to welcome King Mahabali and show love for the king and their community.
4. What is Onasadya?Onasadya is a special vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, with up to 26 dishes like rice, curries, pickles, chutneys, and desserts.

Asura King: A powerful ruler from ancient Indian mythology, often depicted as a demon king, though Mahabali is portrayed as benevolent.
Vamana: The dwarf avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, who tricked King Mahabali.
Pookalam: Intricate floral carpets created as part of Onam celebrations, symbolizing beauty and nature's bounty.
Vallam Kali: Traditional boat races, most famously featuring long snake boats, a highlight of Onam festivities.