 Importance of the festival?

 Mahima/history of the festival

 Different names from different regions in India
 If any special outfits are worn during that festival
 If any special food items are prepared during that festival
 What benefits us from this festival
 Pictures

Janmashtami

 It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu – the protector of the
universe, was born. Lord Krishna was born to kill Kansa, the ruler of Mathura, and end his evil
kingdom. Ironically, Lord Krishna was born to Devaki – the sister of Kansa. Devaki was married to
Kansa’s friend Vasudeva and after their marriage, a prediction was made that their eighth son would
kill Kansa. Following the prophecy, Kansa had imprisoned her sister Devaki and Vasudeva and killed
their seven sons.
It is the Hindu festival celebrating the birth (janma) of the god Krishna on the eighth (ashtami) day of
the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). The number eight has another
significance in the Krishna legend in that he is the eighth child of his mother, Devaki.
On the preceding day devotees keep a vigil and fast until midnight, the traditional hour of his birth.
Then the image of Krishna is bathed in water and milk, dressed in new clothes, and worshipped.
Temples and household shrines are decorated with leaves and flowers; sweetmeats are first offered
to the god and then distributed as prasada(the god’s leftovers, which carry his favour) to all the
members of the household. 
 Krishna Janmashtami, also known simply as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami
  Dance-drama enactments of the life of Krishna according to the Bhagavata Purana (such as Rasa
Lila or Krishna Lila), devotional singing through the midnight when Krishna was born, fasting
(upavasa), a night vigil (Ratri Jagaran), and a feast festival (Mahotsav) on the following day are a part
of the Janmashtami celebrations.
Dahi Handi is celebrated every August/September, the day after Krishna Janmashtami. [10][14] Here,
people break the Dahi Handi which is a part of this festival. The term Dahi Handi literally means
"earthen pot of yogurt". The festival gets this popular regional name from the legend of baby Krishna.
According to it, he would seek and steal milk products such as yogurt and butter and people would
hide their supplies high up out of the baby's reach. Krishna would try all sorts of creative ideas in his
pursuit, such as making human pyramids with his friends to break these high hanging pots.
 Special outfits include young children dressing up as Lord Krishna, quite often holding a flute
 On the day of Janmashtami most people observe fasts;
Many devotees observe ritualistic fast on this special day. While some opt for 'nirjala' fast, some
resort to the 'phallar' fast where they only consume fruits, milk and light sattvik foods. Different kinds
of yummy prasads are also made for little Krishna idol, like malpua, panjiri, kheer, peda. Etc.
Whereas, the next day is a day of feasts, where all sorts of (vegetarian) meals are to be served to an
idol of Lord Krishna. This ideally takes place on a larger scale at a local mandir/temple, where up to
500 different types of dishes are served to Lord Krishna.
Onam

 Onam is a ‘harvest festival’ that is generally celebrated in Kerala. Onam is celebrated for ten days with
people organising various functions and observing special pujas. This year, this auspicious harvest festival will
begin from August 22 and continue till September 2.
The festival falls during the harvest season and is celebrated with a diverse range of activities such as boat
races, cultural programs, sports competitions, dance events, martial arts.
 Vibrant and joyful festival of Onam is known by two different names in the state of Kerala - Thiru Onam or
Thiruvonam and Sravanmahotsav or Sravanotsavam; These are the names of the tenth day of Onam festivities.
 The festival honours the homecoming of King Mahabali, the grandson of Prahlada. According to Vaishnava
mythology, King Mahabali defeated the Gods and began ruling over all three worlds. Mahabali was a demon,
though was loved by people because of his generosity and kind-heartedness. The Gods got insecure about the
popularity of the demon king and so, they asked help from Lord Vishnu.
Vishnu took the avatar – his fifth – of a dwarf boy called Vamana and approached Mahabali. The king asked
the boy what he wished for, to which Vamana responded, “three pieces of land”.
Vamana grew to an enormous size and covered everything Mahabali ruled over in just two paces. When Lord
Vishnu was about to take his third step, King Mahabali offered his own head to step on — an act that Vishnu
accepted as evidence of Mahabali’s devotion. Vishnu granted him a boon, by which Mahabali could visit his
kingdom and people every year during Onam festivities.
 The festival is celebrated over a period of ten days, beginning with Atham and concluding with Thiruvonam.
The remaining eight days in between are sequentially known as Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham,
Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam.
The celebrations include a range of activities such as Pookkalam (flower Rangoli), Onathappan (worship),
Onam Kali, Tug of War, Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu
(martial arts), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance). The Atham day is marked with the start of festivities at
Vamana Moorthy Thrikkakara temple in Kochi.
Pookkalam: Several designs with the help of flowers are made by the people and lay in front of their houses.
With the passing of the day during the Onam festival, a new layer of flowers is added to the Pookkalam. Even
at some places, Pookkalam competitions are held.
Onasadya: At the main day that is Thiruonam Onasadya meal is prepared and served on a Banana leaf. It is a
nine-course meal that consists of at least four to five vegetables. Most of the families cook nine to 13 dishes
for the Onasadya. Even several restaurants over there offer as many as 30 dishes for the Onasadya.
Onakalikal: Refers to all the games played at the festival of Onam. Talappanthukali is a game played with a ball
that is a favourite game of men. Men also play archery or Ambeyyal. Women engage themselves in making
Pookkalam and also perform several traditional dances.
Vallamkali
Boat Race: It is also known as the snake boat race. In a boat riding competition, around 100 boatmen compete
with each other. This is the most famous among people over there. In various patterns, the boats are decorated
beautifully. Even several people visit the city to witness this race.
Elephant Procession: This is the most awaited event of the Onam. An elephant is decorated with flowers,
ornaments, and metals. Elephants by giving small gestures to dance and interact with people. Also, the elephant
is made to take a round of whole Thrissur where this procession is held.
Folk Dances: Women perform folk dances which is also a major attraction of the festival. Kaikottikali is a clap
dance performed by women. While dancing they praise King Mahabali. They also dance in a circle and it is
known as Thumbi Thullai.
This year, the people of Kerala have been asked to celebrate the festival at their homes and use locally available
flowers for the traditional floral carpet due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus.