Rahul Raj composes a vibrant folk melody for Onnam Kandam from the Aaraattu soundtrack. Lyricist Rajeev Govindan writes about Kerala’s harvest festivities. The song features call-and-response vocals by Swetha Ashok, Narayani Gopan, and others.
Released: February 12, 2022
Onnam Kandam
Rahul Raj | Swetha Ashok • From “Aaraattu”
Onnam Kandam Lyrics Translation Rahul Raj | Swetha Ashok | Aaraattu
Govindan invites listeners to cross hills and rivers for communal celebrations. He describes green fields under midday sun and villagers dancing with yellow blooms. The lyrics ask who carves palm fronds and awakens collective joy.
Onnaam Kandam KeriWe’ve stepped into the first field
Onnara Kandam MaariCrossed over to the next plot and a half
Njaattu Kandam Nalari MuraFollowing the old ways in the seedling beds
Naattu Kinnari CholluTell the playful tales of the village
Pacha Vayal KachaWrapped in the green ‘kacha’ (cloth) of the fields
Ucha Veyil ChuttiCircled by the scorching midday sun
Ottamara KombilaadumSwinging on the lone tree’s branch
Thatha Konji PadiThe parrot sings its sweet, babbling tunes
Au KarikkuveeneOh, like a falling tender coconut
Aattirampin KoottilWithin the nest at the river’s edge
Naalorungi NaamorungiThe day is set, we’re all prepared
Naadirangi Vaa NeeCome down and join the land
Kunnirangi KadavirangiDescend the hills, leave the shores behind
Puzhayirangi Vaa NeeCross the river and come this way
Churamirangi Vaa NeeCome down from the mountain pass
Mulla Mala KaattinullilDeep inside the jasmine mountain woods
Madal KothanathaarWho’s that carving the ‘madal’ (palm fronds)?
Madal KothanathaarWho’s that carving the ‘madal’ (palm fronds)?
Poranmayo NeraanmayoIs it a rivalry, or is it the truth?
Eru Thiriyettum PoranmayoIs it the pride of the twin-wick lamps?
Ravenni Naam Naalenni NaamWe’ve counted the nights and the days
Ghana Ghana ManthottamIn the thick, lush mango orchard
Aaraadi Naam AuWho are we to dance? Oh…
Manjappoo VaarinilkkumStanding there with armfuls of yellow blooms
Manja KaattodivanneCome running with the golden breeze
Othu Naattarathi KaattilTogether in the village’s wild woods
Pooveki PaanjathaareWho’s that rushing by, giving out flowers?
Ellaarum AllaarodumEveryone together with one another
Kai Thatti Meyyaadi NinneClapping hands and dancing with pure joy
Kandoram Kannum PothiHiding eyes at the edge of the field
Kandolam MindiyathaareWho’s the one who spoke their heart out?
Aaraadyam AdarumWho’ll be the first to break away?
Naadaake PadarumIt’ll spread across the entire land
Pon MekhamakaleGolden clouds drifting far away
AaraarilunarumWho’ll awaken in whom?
Naadaake UzhalumThe whole village is in a whirl
Panthalorungi PanthamorungiThe pavilion’s set, the torches are lit
Chandra ChandamaayiBeautiful as the glowing moon
Kunnirangi KadavirangiDown the hills, leave the shores behind
Puzhayirangi Vaa NeeCross the river and come this way
Churamirangi Vaa NeeCome down from the mountain pass
Mulla Mala KaattinullilDeep inside the jasmine mountain forest
Madal KothanathaarWho’s the one carving the ‘madal’ (palm fronds)?
Madal KothanathaarWho’s the one carving the ‘madal’ (palm fronds)?
Kunnirangi KadavirangiDown the slopes and from the riverbanks
Puzhayirangi Vaa NeeFlow down with the river and arrive
Churamirangi Vaa NeeDescend through the mountain pass
Mulla Mala KaattinullilTucked away in the jasmine mountain woods
Madal KothanathaarWho’s that shaping the ‘madal’ (palm fronds)?
Madal KothanathaarWho’s that shaping the ‘madal’ (palm fronds)?
Kunnirangi KadavirangiStep down from the hills and the shores
Puzhayirangi Vaa NeeCome down from the river and join us
Churamirangi Vaa NeeTravel down through the mountain pass
Mulla Mala KaattinullilIn the heart of the jasmine mountain forest
Madal KothanathaarWho’s the person carving palm stalks?
Madal KothanathaarWho’s the person carving palm stalks?
Onnam Kandam Music Video
The Onnam Kandam lyrics meaning celebrates rural life through nature imagery and shared rituals. Rahul Raj’s music brings the energy of village gatherings.