Onam is one of India's most cherished festivals. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Kerala between August and September. Folk songs, dance, feasts, cultural events, and games—this 10-day mega festival showcases Kerala's rich cultural heritage in all its glory.
Among the myriad activities, playing cards during Onam has become a popular part of modern festivities. This contemporary touch complements the festive spirit and adds to the communal joy of the occasion.
This year, Art of Cards has embraced this tradition and elevated it by introducing personalised playing cards for Onam.
Historical Significance of Onam & Card Games
Onam is celebrated to honour King Mahabali, a beloved demon king. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana. Vamana tricked Mahabali into giving up his kingdom. Due to Mahabali’s virtue, he was granted a boon. He could visit his subjects once a year, and this visit is celebrated as Onam.
Onam also marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the harvest season. It symbolises unity and hope for prosperity and abundance.
In India, playing cards during festivals has been a centuries-old tradition, and Onam is no exception. Families come together to prepare elaborate feasts, participate in various games, and create beautiful Pookalams—an intricate floral arrangements made to welcome King Mahabali and symbolise prosperity. All of this is done while enjoying quality time together. And what better way to celebrate the grand festival than by gathering around a table with loved ones for some friendly competition?
By playing cards for Onam, friends and families share laughter and fun banter and celebrate the joy of card games. This enthusiasm to play cards during Onam, is a natural extension of the communal joy that defines this grand carnival.
Art of Cards has beautifully captured the essence of the festival with their Club C Playing playing cards, which incorporate the vibrant elements of Onam. To enhance the festive spirit, these cards feature harvest motifs such as crops and birds, bringing the celebration to life in every game.
Social Bonding
In its essence, the harvest festival of Onam brings people together to rejoice in the blessings of a bountiful harvest. It also honours the spirit of communal harmony. People cook, sing, dance, and play together. The festival is marked by various social activities that strengthen bonds among family members and the community.
Over the course of ten days, Onakalikal—the traditional games played during Onam—bring everyone together. These games include a variety of activities such as Uriyadi (a game where a clay pot is hung high, and blindfolded participants attempt to break it with a stick), Pulikali (a folk art where participants dress as tigers and dance to the beats of traditional instruments), and Vadamvali (a tug-of-war). From the sumptuous Onasadya feast to the iconic Vallamkali boat races, Onam is filled with social bonding activities. Another cherished aspect of this bonding is the tradition of playing cards.
Throughout Kerala, family members of all ages engage in card games during Onam, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. This custom is embraced by everyone, adding to the festival's spirit of communal enjoyment and unity. Card games seamlessly fit into the celebrations, providing a platform for people to connect and enjoy each other's company.
Symbolism
Onam is a harvest festival symbolising joy, prosperity, and unity. Playing card games during Onam symbolises the festival’s emphasis on togetherness and shared enjoyment. The association of card games with luck and fortune perfectly complements the theme of abundance. By incorporating card games for Onam, people in Kerala honour their heritage while embracing modern ways to connect and celebrate together.
Cultural Diversity
The grand celebrations during Onam unify people from various backgrounds, irrespective of their religion and communities. Playing cards on festivals shows this same spirit of brotherhood and inclusivity.
Traditional Card Games played during Onam
Card games are an integral part of Onam celebrations, with several traditional card games adding to the joy of the occasion:
- Kazhutha: Known as the Donkey Card Game in Kerala, Kazhutha uses a standard 52-card deck. It avoids penalties and aims to be the first to empty one's hand. Players try to discard all their cards by forming sequences and sets, with the 7 of spades, or "Donkey," adding a unique twist. The game is ideal for four or more players. For an exceptional gaming experience, try the Meridian 555 cards, which offer durability and a smooth shuffle.
- Teen Patti: Also called Indian Poker, Teen Patti is one of Onam's favourite card games. Using a 52-card deck, players compete to have the best three-card hand. The game involves betting and revealing cards, with the highest hand winning the pot. Enhance your Teen Patti game with the Black Box Playing Cards, known for its premium quality designs.
- Rummy: An all-time classic, Rummy uses the standard card deck. Players form sets and sequences in this game by drawing and discarding cards. The goal is to complete their hand first into valid combinations. Finally, the points are tallied based on unmatched cards, and the player with the fewest points wins. Make your Rummy nights more enjoyable with Bicycle Playing Cards, which are renowned for their classic look.
- Three-Two-Five: Known as 325, this trick-taking game is widely popular in Kerala. Players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win, and the highest bidder selects the trump suit. The game involves playing cards to win tricks, with points awarded based on the number of tricks won. Players must meet or exceed their bid to earn points, and the game continues until a player reaches the winning score. Add a festive touch with Club C Playing Cards, designed specifically to celebrate the season.
The tradition of playing cards during Onam beautifully blends Kerala's rich cultural heritage with modern festive practices. Whether it's the thrill of Kazhutha or the strategy of Teen Patti, card games add a unique element of fun and social bonding to the celebrations. Pick up the specially curated playing cards designed for you and elevate this cherished tradition. Celebrate this harvest season with a deck that not only reflects the spirit of the festival but also brings your loved ones closer together, making your Onam festivities even more memorable.
Celebrate Onam with Superior Quality Decks for a Premium Experience
This Onam, add a touch of elegance to your festivities with our playing cards. Featuring unique designs inspired by the harvest season, our high-quality cards bring style and durability to your card-playing tradition, making your Onam celebrations special and memorable. Shop now to get a unique touch to your celebrations.