Onam Quiz – Questions

1. Onam is primarily associated with which Indian state?
2. Onam is traditionally connected with which legendary king?
3. What is another popular name for King Mahabali in Kerala’s Onam tradition?
4. What is the traditional floral decoration made during Onam called?
5. What is the traditional grand vegetarian feast associated with Onam called?
6. Onam is traditionally associated with which season of agricultural abundance?
7. Which traditional Kerala boat race is strongly associated with Onam celebrations?
8. Which traditional Kerala dance is commonly associated with women and Onam celebrations?
9. Which colourful folk performance featuring people dressed as tigers is associated with Kerala?
10. What does the word Pookkalam primarily refer to?
11. What is the traditional name for new clothes worn during Onam?
12. According to the traditional Onam story, which deity is associated with the Vamana form?
13. How often is Mahabali traditionally believed to return to visit his people?
14. Which traditional Kerala festival is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam?
15. Which day is traditionally regarded as the main day of the Onam celebration?
16. Which traditional Kerala vegetable dish is commonly served as part of an Onam Sadya?
17. What is the traditional serving surface for an Onam Sadya?
18. Which traditional Kerala sweet dish is commonly served during Sadya?
19. Which Malayalam month contains the main Onam celebrations?
20. What are two important values traditionally associated with the story of Mahabali and the spirit of Onam?

21. What is the first month of the Malayalam calendar in which Onam is celebrated?
22. What is the name of the star associated with Thiruvonam?
23. What is the traditional name of the boat used in Kerala’s famous snake-boat races?
24. What does “Vallamkali” literally refer to?
25. Which Kerala district is particularly famous for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race?
26. On which lake is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race traditionally held?
27. What is a “Chundan Vallam”?
28. Which traditional Kerala art form features elaborate masks and colourful costumes during some festive celebrations?
29. Which dance is traditionally performed in a circle by women during festive occasions?
30. What is “Kaikottikali” another name for?
31. Which traditional game involves arranging and breaking a clay pot?
32. What is “Uriyadi”?
33. Which traditional Onam game involves pulling a rope?
34. What is “Vadamvali”?
35. Which traditional sport involves teams competing in a tug-of-war?
36. What is the significance of new clothes during Onam?
37. What is the Malayalam word commonly used for Onam greetings?
38. What does “Onashamsakal” mean?
39. Which traditional dish is made with mixed vegetables and coconut and is commonly served in Sadya?
40. Which dish is made from yoghurt/curd and vegetables and is served in Sadya?
41. What is “Sambar” in the context of Kerala Sadya?
42. Which sweet dish is often served at the end of a Sadya?
43. What is “Ada Pradhaman”?
44. What is “Palada Payasam”?
45. Which crunchy side dish is commonly served with Sadya?
46. What is “Pappadam”?
47. Which banana-based side dish is commonly served during Sadya?
48. What is “Sharkara Varatti”?
49. What is “Upperi” in Kerala cuisine?
50. Why is the banana leaf traditionally placed in a particular direction before serving Sadya?
51. Which part of the banana leaf is generally used for serving the main rice and curries?
52. What is the traditional eating style used during a Sadya?
53. Why is Sadya considered a symbol of sharing?
54. What does a Pookkalam traditionally symbolize?
55. Why are flowers used to decorate homes during Onam?
56. What is “Athapookkalam”?
57. Which day marks the beginning of the traditional ten-day Onam celebrations?
58. What is Atham?
59. How many days are traditionally counted from Atham to Thiruvonam?
60. Which is the final and most important day of the traditional ten-day Onam period?
61. What is “Onam Kodiyettam”?
62. What is “Onam Sadhya”?
63. Which famous Kerala city is known for the grand Thrissur Pulikali celebrations?
64. What is the main visual feature of Pulikali performers?
65. What animal is represented in Pulikali?
66. What is the purpose of traditional Onam games?
67. How does Onam promote community participation?
68. Why is Onam sometimes described as a harvest festival?
69. What role do farmers play in the traditional meaning of Onam?
70. What does the abundance of food during Onam symbolize?
71. Which legendary ruler is traditionally believed to visit Kerala during Onam?
72. What quality of Mahabali is particularly emphasized in Onam traditions?
73. Who is Vamana in the traditional Mahabali story?
74. What does the word “Vamana” mean in Sanskrit tradition?
75. Which three steps are associated with Vamana’s request to Mahabali?
76. What did Mahabali offer when Vamana asked for three paces of land?
77. What quality of Mahabali is demonstrated by his willingness to honour his promise?
78. Why is Mahabali remembered fondly by the people of Kerala?
79. What does the legend of Mahabali teach about good governance?
80. How does Onam promote religious and social harmony in Kerala?
81. Why is Onam celebrated by people from different communities?
82. What is the importance of family reunions during Onam?
83. Why do many organizations conduct Onam celebrations?
84. What role do cultural programmes play in Onam celebrations?
85. Why are traditional songs performed during Onam?
86. What is “Onam Kalikal”?
87. Which traditional activity involves creating designs with flowers?
88. What is the environmental significance of using natural flowers for Pookkalam?
89. How can modern Onam celebrations become more environmentally friendly?
90. Why should plastic waste be reduced during Onam celebrations?
91. How can Onam encourage charitable activities?
92. Why is sharing food with people in need consistent with the spirit of Onam?
93. What does Onam teach about equality?
94. What does Onam teach about generosity?
95. What does Onam teach about friendship and community?
96. Why is preserving Onam traditions important for younger generations?
97. How can schools and colleges use Onam to promote cultural awareness?
98. How can clubs and associations make Onam celebrations inclusive?
99. What is the central message that can be drawn from the traditional Onam story?
100. What is the common Malayalam greeting used to wish someone a Happy Onam?

Answer Key

1. Kerala
2. Mahabali
3. Maveli
4. Pookkalam
5. Onam Sadya
6. Harvest season
7. Vallamkali
8. Thiruvathira Kali
9. Pulikali
10. A floral arrangement
11. Onakkodi
12. Vishnu
13. Once a year
14. Onam
15. Thiruvonam
16. Avial
17. Banana leaf
18. Payasam
19. Chingam
20. Equality and generosity
21. Chingam
22. Thiruvonam
23. Chundan Vallam
24. Boat race
25. Alappuzha
26. Punnamada Lake
27. A traditional long snake boat
28. Various traditional Kerala performance traditions
29. Thiruvathira/Kaikottikali
30. Thiruvathira Kali
31. Uriyadi
32. A traditional pot-breaking game
33. Vadamvali
34. Tug-of-war
35. Vadamvali
36. Celebration, prosperity, and renewal
37. Onashamsakal
38. Onam greetings / best wishes for Onam
39. Avial
40. Kaalan
41. A lentil-and-vegetable curry prepared with spices
42. Payasam
43. A traditional Kerala payasam made with ada and jaggery/coconut milk
44. A milk-based payasam made with palada
45. Pappadam
46. A crisp wafer commonly served with Sadya
47. Banana preparations such as Pazham
48. Sweetened, fried banana pieces coated with jaggery
49. Fried banana chips
50. According to traditional serving practice and convenience of eating
51. The broad central portion of the leaf
52. Traditionally eaten by hand
53. Because the feast is prepared and enjoyed collectively
54. Beauty, prosperity, welcome, and celebration
55. To welcome and honour the festive season
56. A floral decoration associated with the Onam period
57. Atham
58. The first day of the traditional ten-day Onam celebration
59. Ten days
60. Thiruvonam
61. The ceremonial beginning or raising of Onam celebrations
62. The traditional Onam feast
63. Thrissur
64. Tiger-like body painting and costumes
65. Tiger
66. Recreation, friendship, teamwork, and community bonding
67. By bringing people together in shared activities
68. Because of its traditional connection with agriculture and harvest
69. Farmers are central to agricultural prosperity and food production
70. Prosperity and abundance
71. King Mahabali
72. Generosity
73. The dwarf form/avatar of Vishnu
74. Dwarf or short-statured
75. Three paces/steps of land
76. He offered what he had promised
77. Truthfulness and commitment to his word
78. He is remembered as a generous and beloved ruler
79. Good governance should promote justice, equality, and welfare
80. By bringing people together regardless of community background
81. Because Onam has become a broad cultural celebration of Kerala
82. It strengthens relationships and togetherness
83. To build friendship, unity, and community spirit
84. They preserve and showcase Kerala’s cultural heritage
85. To celebrate, preserve, and share cultural traditions
86. Traditional Onam games
87. Pookkalam
88. It uses biodegradable natural materials
89. Reduce plastic, avoid waste, and use sustainable decorations
90. To reduce pollution and protect the environment
91. By organizing food distribution, donations, and community service
92. It reflects sharing, compassion, and concern for others
93. Everyone deserves dignity and respect
94. Prosperity is meaningful when it is shared
95. Happiness grows through togetherness
96. To preserve cultural identity and heritage
97. Through cultural programmes, traditional arts, games, and educational activities
98. By welcoming people regardless of background and ensuring everyone can participate
99. Equality, generosity, justice, sharing, and togetherness
100. Onashamsakal