Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, India, is a celebration steeped in myth, cultural diversity, and religious significance.
Celebrated predominantly by
Malayalis, Onam transcends religious and social boundaries, uniting people from
different walks of life in a 10-day festival of joy, feasts, and cultural
activities. While the festival’s surface may seem like a grand celebration, its
roots run deep in the history, traditions, and agricultural rhythms of Kerala.
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| Happy Onam |
Origins: The Legend of Mahabali
The core narrative behind Onam
revolves around the ancient legend of King Mahabali, a benevolent Asura (demon)
king who once ruled Kerala. According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali’s reign was
marked by prosperity, peace, and equality. People were content, there was no
poverty, and the king was adored by his subjects. However, Mahabali's growing
influence and power disturbed the gods, who feared that he might overshadow
them.
To curb Mahabali’s rise, Lord Vishnu
took the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and appeared before the king. Vamana
requested three paces of land from Mahabali as alms. Being generous, the king
agreed. Vamana then grew in size, covering the earth with his first step and
the heavens with his second. Realizing that he had no more land to offer,
Mahabali offered his head for the third step, which pushed him into the
netherworld. However, Vishnu, impressed by Mahabali's devotion and generosity,
granted him a boon: the king could visit his people and land once a year. This
annual return of Mahabali is commemorated as Onam.
This legend reflects the underlying
theme of Onam – the celebration of a golden era under Mahabali’s rule and the
promise of his return to ensure his people are living in prosperity and
happiness.
The
Significance of Onam
Onam marks the beginning of the
Malayalam calendar, known as Kolla Varsham, and is celebrated in the month of
Chingam (August-September). It is not just a religious festival but also an
agricultural one, celebrating the bountiful harvest of Kerala, particularly
rice. The festival’s connection with nature and the agrarian cycle highlights
Kerala’s deep-rooted relationship with its land and seasons.
For the Keralites, Onam is not
confined to any one religion or caste; it is a time when the entire state comes
together. Even though it has roots in Hindu mythology, Christians and Muslims
in Kerala also celebrate the festival, reflecting the inclusive and harmonious
cultural ethos of the state.
The Ten Days of Onam: A Day-by-Day Breakdown
Onam is a 10-day festival, with each
day holding its own significance. The countdown begins on Atham and
culminates in the grand day of Thiruvonam.
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Atham: The first day of Onam sets the tone for the celebrations.
People clean their homes and start making Pookalam (floral carpets) in
front of their houses, a tradition that continues throughout the festival.
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Chithira: The second day involves cleaning and decorating the house
further, with people adding more layers to the Pookalam.
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Chodi: This day is associated with shopping. Families buy new
clothes, jewelry, and gifts for loved ones.
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Vishakam: Considered an auspicious day for the beginning of
preparations for the grand Onam feast (Sadya), houses are filled with the aroma
of various delicacies being prepared.
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Anizham: The day of the famous Vallamkali (boat race), where
traditional snake boats compete fiercely, especially in Alappuzha.
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Thriketa: People start visiting family members and exchanging gifts,
emphasizing the sense of community and togetherness.
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Moolam: Small-scale festivities, including traditional dances and
music, begin. Sadya (the grand feast) is also prepared in many households.
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Pooradam: The installation of clay statues representing King
Mahabali and Vamana in homes marks this day.
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Uthradam: Considered the penultimate and most significant day before
Thiruvonam. People engage in last-minute preparations, and markets are abuzz
with activity.
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Thiruvonam: The main day of Onam, when Mahabali is believed to visit
Kerala. The day starts with a grand Sadya, and families gather to enjoy the
feast, which features over 25 dishes served on a banana leaf. Special prayers
and cultural activities mark the day, including traditional dances like Thiruvathira
and Pulikali (a folk art where people dress as tigers and hunters).
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| Onam Kerala |
Onam Sadya: A Culinary Extravaganza
One of the highlights of Onam is the
grand Sadya, a traditional vegetarian feast that is a sensory delight. Served
on a banana leaf, the Sadya includes a variety of dishes such as:
- Upperi:
Banana chips
- Sharkara Varatti:
Jaggery-coated banana chips
- Inji Curry:
A tangy ginger curry
- Olan:
A light dish made with white gourd, coconut milk, and ginger
- Kaalan:
A thick yogurt-based dish with yam and plantains
- Avial:
A mixed vegetable curry with coconut
- Payasam:
A sweet rice pudding made in different variations like Ada Pradhaman (with
rice flakes) and Parippu Payasam (with lentils)
The Sadya is more than just food; it
represents the abundance of the harvest and the spirit of sharing and
generosity, qualities associated with King Mahabali's reign.
Cultural
Significance and Traditions
Onam is a time when Kerala’s rich
cultural heritage comes to life. Various art forms and sports that reflect the
cultural diversity of the state are performed during the festival:
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Vallamkali
(Boat Race): The snake boat race, particularly
in the Pamba River, is an iconic event during Onam. These boats, known as Chundan
Vallam, are steered by a team of over 100 oarsmen, and the race is a symbol
of the state’s maritime history.
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Pulikali: The folk art of Pulikali sees performers painted like
tigers and leopards parading through the streets to the beats of traditional
percussion instruments. This performance, symbolizing the wild and untamed
spirit of Onam, attracts large crowds.
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Thiruvathirakali: A traditional dance performed by women in a circle,
Thiruvathira is dedicated to the goddess Parvati. It is characterized by
graceful movements and is an expression of marital bliss.
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Kummattikali: Another traditional dance, Kummattikali involves performers
wearing colorful wooden masks and dancing from house to house, entertaining the
public and seeking alms.
Symbolism of Pookalam
The intricate Pookalam, or
floral carpet, is a ubiquitous symbol of Onam. Every household, regardless of
size or wealth, participates in the creation of Pookalams. Each day, more
flowers are added to the circular design, which grows in complexity. The
flowers used, particularly marigolds, hibiscus, and chrysanthemums, bring
vibrant colors to the design, reflecting the joy and prosperity the festival
celebrates.
Onam
in Modern Times
While Onam’s ancient traditions
remain intact, the way it is celebrated has evolved. Kerala’s diaspora,
particularly in the Middle East, celebrates the festival with great fervor,
organizing cultural programs and Onam Sadya events. Modern Onam also includes
corporate celebrations, where workplaces organize Onam feasts and competitions
to keep the spirit alive.
Tourism during Onam has boomed, as
people from all over the world come to witness Kerala’s grand spectacle. The
state government promotes Onam as the “tourism festival,” organizing events
like the Onam Week celebrations, where various cultural performances and sports
are showcased.
Conclusion
Onam is a unique festival in its
ability to merge myth, culture, religion, and nature into a harmonious
celebration. It represents not just the story of Mahabali, but the values of
equality, prosperity, and togetherness that continue to resonate with people
across the world. Whether through the elaborate Pookalams, the flavors of
Sadya, or the vibrant art forms, Onam is a reflection of Kerala’s
soul—celebrating its heritage, its people, and the spirit of abundance.
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