Onam is one of the biggest festivals in the state of Kerala, India. Traditionally a Hindu festival, Onam is also celebrated by Christians and Muslims in the state, thus making the occasion a cultural manifestation and the representation of the religious harmony among the people. Onam is called as the harvest festival of Kerala, to celebrate the time when the crops are ready to be harvested. Mythologically, it is celebrated to welcome the arrival of King Mahabali, the demon king, who unlike most of his peers, was a king and a just ruler, under whom the lands were quite prosperous. Onam Sadhya Items List 2019: Traditional Delicious Sadhya Dishes That Malayalis Prepare During the Harvest Festival.

Onam is celebrated in the middle of Chingam month of Malayalam calendar. It is spread over a period of 13 days, wherein in 2019, the festivities begin from September 1 and end on September 13. The most important days fall on September 10 (Uthraadam - First Onam), 11 (Thiruvonam - the most important day), 12 (Avittam - Third Onam) and 13 (Chathayam - Final Day of Onam). In Kerala, the festival is celebrated with various activities like boat race (vallamkali), martial arts display (Onnathallu), making floral designs (pookalam), traditional Onam dance (thiruvathirakali), preparation of an elaborate feast for family get-togethers and temple gatherings (onnasadya) et al.

There are many songs that celebrate the spirit of Onam and everything about it. In this special feature, we list seven of our favourite Onam songs for you to sing and join in the festivities.

#1 Maveli Naduvaneedum Kalam

The origins of this folksy songs, as to who has written the lyrics, are still to be ascertained. But "Maveli Naduvaneedum Kalam" has been a part of quite a few movies, including Newspaper Boy and Mahabali, the latter starring Prem Nazir. The lovely song talks about the time when Mahabali ruled over the lands, when there were equality and prosperity everywhere. Which is why, Onam is celebrated in Kerala to hail the mythological king, even if he belongs to the demon clan. Onam Festival 2019: Know All About The Biggest Festival Celebrated In Kerala.

#2 Poovili Poovili Ponnonamayi

This famous Onnapaattu belongs to the 1977 film Vishukanni and is picturised on Prem Nazir and Vidhubala. The track represents why Onam is celebrated as a harvest festival, filmed around paddy fields. The song is composed by Salil Chowdhary with lyrics written by Sreekumaran Thampi.

#3 Thiruvona Pularithan

Another Prem Nazir film song makes to the list. This track belongs to a film that is also named after the festival, the 1975 film Thiruvonam. "Thiruvona Pularithan" is composed by MK Arjunan with lyrics by Sreekumaran Thampi, and Vaani Jairam has sung the track.

#4 Kuttanadan Punchayile

Every Malayali knows that this popular song in the anthem of the famous boat race of Kerala, that happens around Onam. The song itself is taken from the 1967 film Kavalam Chundan, composed by G Devarajan with lyrics by Vayalar Ramavarma. We really don't blame you if you hear the song and then join the chorus in humming 'Thithitara thithithey they they thom'. A couple of years back, popular American YouTuber and singer, Vidya Vox, had recreated the song which went viral. But nothing can beat the original.

#5 Kaithapoo Manamenthe Chanchalaakshi

This beautiful song is from the family drama, the 1998 film Sneham, directed by Jayaraj and stars Jayaram, Biju Menon, Kasthuri and Jomol. The song, picturised around the traditional dance of thiruvathirakali, became so popular that it has become a staple song at events when women get together to perform the dance routine during Onam. "Kaithapoo Manamenthe Chanchalaakshi" is composed by Perumbavoor G Raveendranath with lyrics by Yusufali Kecheri. Radhika Thilak has sung the track.

#6 Paraniraye Ponnalakkum

Let's take a break from the filmy songs to a non-filmy one here. This Onam song, crooned by KJ Yesudas and Sujatha, is quite popular and is considered by many as the 'Onappattu'. Mellifluously composed by the great Vidyasagar, "Paraniraye Ponnalakkum" is written by Gireesh Puthenchery.

#7 Thiruvaavaniraavu

... aka the Onam song of this decade. The beautiful track is from the 2016 film Jacobinte Swargarajyam, that is directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan and stars Nivin Pauly. The song is a symbol of how Malayalis, no matter where they are in the world, always find time to get together and celebrate the festival of Onam. Composed by Shaan Rahman with lyrics by Manu Manjith, "Thiruvaavaniraavu" is sung by Unni Menon and Sithara.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2019 03:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).