Onam is not just about wearing traditional attire or having delicious sadya. It is a musical treat too. The Onam festival season has given birth to many evergreen songs. Check out some of these popular tracks to set your festive mood on track. 

Maveli Nadu Vanidum Kalam  

If you ask any Malayali to sing an Onam song, this will be the first one that will come to his/her mind. Popularly known as ‘Onappattu’ (The Onam song), this poem narrates the period when King Mahabali reigned over the region. It says there was no deceit or theft during his rule.

Many believe that the poem was penned by Sahodaran Ayyappan, a renaissance leader and disciple of Sree Narayana Guru, in 1934. However, some people contend the claim. The origin and content of the poem have triggered discussion for quite some time. Sahodaran has also written another song, titled ‘Yukthikalam Onappattu’.

Onapattin Thalam Thullum

Since 2004, this song is also unavoidable for any Onam season. This song from the movie ‘Quotation’ was composed by Sabeesh George. Brajesh Ramachandran penned the lyrics. The film was not successful financially. But the song remained in the hearts of Malayalis. The film, directed by Vinod Vijayan, starred Jagathy Sreekumar, Thilakan and others.

Onam Vannallo Oonjalittallo

A well admired nursery rhyme 'Onam Vannallo Oonjalittallo' is also about the arrival of the Onam season and how children enjoy vacations at home.

With just six lines, this hum sung by Daya Bijibal, daughter of singer Bijibal, still steals the hearts of Malayalis. This 2014 album song was released through her father’s venture, Bodhi Silent Scape.

Other Onam film songs

There is no shortage of film songs about Onam. A 1975 film starring Prem Nazir and Sharada was itself titled ‘Thiruvonam’. The famous ‘Thiruvona Pularithan’ song by Arjunan Master sung by Vani Jairam is from this movie. Sreekumaran Thampi penned the lyrics. He also directed the movie.

Poovili Poovili

Thiruvavani Ravu

Onapoove

Onathappa

Thiruvona Pularithan Thirumul Kaazhcha 

Onamkalipattu

Onamkali is a traditional dance played by youth in Thrissur. They write and compose songs to dance to. These lines have no relation to the Onam festival though.

Most of the songs are from stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Here are some very popular Onamkalipattu.

Virinju Ponnambalay

Ennum Varum Vazhi Vakkil

This may surprise you, but 'Ennum Varum Vazhi Vakkil' is an Onamkalipattu.

Pada Poruthanam

'Pada Poruthanam' is widely used by Hindutva outfits in their campaigns. It is originally an Onamkalipattu.

Kalyanam Kalyanam

Vedan Pattu

In the northern part of Kerala, the Vannan community performs the part of Aadi Vedan by touring houses. Though the performance is predominantly during the Karkidakam month of the Malayalam calendar, a version is also performed during the Onam season. This has almost ceased nowadays.

Since you are here, here is a Mathrubhumi Originals production on this.

Folklore

Folk songs in Malayalam on Onam celebration are in abundance.

Thiruvonam Vannallo

Thumbi Thullal

A village artform performed by women in Kerala.

Pulikali

Thrissur’s famous Pulikali has no songs. But it has a rhythm. Listen here:

Some more songs

Thumba Poove

This quintessential BGM of every Onam season, from the song 'Para Niraye Ponnalakkum', is composed by Vidyasagar.

Vallamkalipattu

Vallamkali or the boat race is organised during the Onam season. The team members sing songs to energise the rowers to act faster and stronger to win the race.

Vanchipattu, in praise of Lord Krishna, sung by groups of people, in the Aranmula temple as part of the Vallasadya held during the Onam festival.