Onam, the vibrant annual harvest festival, is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to freshen up your home for the celebrations. Also known as Thiruonam, this grand ten-day festival is widely celebrated in Kerala. It is marked by colourful decorations, new festive attire, and a sumptuous feast of delicacies.
If you’re wondering how you can make this Onam extra special, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the rich significance of Onam and offer practical tips on how to spruce up your home, ensuring it’s ready to welcome the festival’s joy and spirit.
Let’s dive in and get your space ready for a memorable Onam!
Significance of the Festival of Onam
Onam is a colourful and culturally rich festival celebrated predominantly in Kerala. The festival spans ten days and is deeply rooted in mythology. It symbolises the return of the beloved demon king Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as a golden era of prosperity and equality. According to legend, King Mahabali visits his subjects on the day of Onam after ascending from the netherworld.
During Onam, homes are adorned with colourful flower carpets (pookalam), and families come together to enjoy a grand feast known as Onam Sadya, featuring a variety of traditional dishes served on banana leaves. The festival is not just about feasting, but it also a time for participating in lively activities such as boat races, traditional dances like Thiruvathira, and spectacular tiger dances (Pulikali).
Onam also signifies the spirit of renewal and community. It’s a celebration of abundance, togetherness, and the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, making it a time of immense pride and joy for everyone involved.
Popular Renovation Ideas for Onam
Here are some popular renovation ideas to elevate your Onam celebrations this year:
1. Decorate your living room
Transform your living room into a festive haven with vibrant, Onam-themed decor. Opt for bright cushions, colourful throws, and elegant curtains that reflect the festival’s lively spirit.
Add traditional elements like brass lamps or floral arrangements to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. A well-decorated living room will set the perfect tone for celebrations and family gatherings.
2. Undertake kitchen renovations
Are you planning to host your own Onam Sadya? Then why not upgrade your kitchen to make it both functional and festive? Consider new cabinets, sleek countertops, and modern appliances to enhance cooking convenience for the Onam Sadya.
Add decorative touches like traditional Onam motifs or vibrant tiles to bring a festive flair to your culinary space, ensuring it’s ready for preparing and serving sumptuous meals. You can also explore investing in new cutlery and serving dishes to enhance the Onam cheer.
3. Give your bedroom an Onam-style redecoration
Refresh your bedroom with Onam-inspired decor for a touch of festive elegance. Choose bed linens in rich, vibrant colours like gold and green, and add decorative pillows and throws that reflect traditional patterns.
Incorporate soft lighting or traditional lamps to create a serene and celebratory atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a festive Onam. You can also add a vase of fresh flowers to be greeted with their sweet scent when you wake up each morning.
4. Invest in Onam-themed artworks
Add to your home’s festive ambience with Onam-themed artwork. Opt for paintings or prints that feature traditional scenes, such as lush landscapes or vibrant Onam celebrations. These pieces will not only beautify your space but also invigorate it with the cultural essence of the festival, making your home feel more connected to the traditions of Onam.
5. Welcome the spirit of Onam with a Rangoli
Enhance the festival’s spirit with a beautifully crafted Rangoli at the entrance of your home. Use colourful powders and flower petals to create intricate designs that welcome guests with a burst of festive cheer. This traditional art form adds a touch of elegance and vibrancy to your home, setting the stage for the joyous Onam celebrations ahead.
Planning your Home Renovation for Onam
The best way to plan your home renovation for Onam is by following the steps below:
1. Ascertain renovation priorities
It is natural for us to want to go big during festivities. However, it can lead to unnecessary financial stress. To avoid this, make a list of all the renovations you wish to undertake. Now, analyse your list to recognise which ones are high priority. For instance, a kitchen renovation may be more important than a bathroom makeover if you plan to host an Onam feast.
2. Set a budget
Next, set a budget based on your renovation priorities. For this, you will have to analyse your renovation requirements and, if necessary, obtain quotes from renovation companies.
3. Set a timeline
Once your budget is set, examine the extent of the renovation required and plan a realistic timeline. Be sure to have your renovations completed well before Onam to ensure your home is ready for the festivities.
4. Choose a financing option
Lastly, based on your budget, examine your financing options. Consider taking a home renovation loan for this purpose. These don’t just offer tax benefits of up to Rs 30,000 but also help you keep your savings for a rainy day.
Final thoughts
The grand festival of Onam calls for a grand celebration. And where better to start your celebrations than right at your home? Redecorate your living room in Onam colours, renovate your kitchen to prepare for the delicious feast, give your bedroom an Onam-style makeover, decorate your walls with some Onam-themed artwork, or welcome the celebratory spirit of Onam with a breathtaking rangoli on the doorstep of your home.
Undertaking these home renovation ideas will surely help you elevate your Onam celebrations this year and make the upcoming festive season the talk of the town for years to come. What’s more, you don’t need to dip into your savings to make this a reality! Simply apply for a home renovation loan from Tata Capital.
With attractive interest rates, easy eligibility criteria, flexible repayment options, and no collateral, Tata Capital helps ensure your home shines during the festive season.
22 August 2024
6 mins read
Previous Post
