The Essence of Onam
The eagerly-awaited annual festival, Onam, emerges as one of the world’s few celebrations that beautifully intertwine mythology, love for nature, and vibrant cultural expression. This year’s festival extends over ten days, starting on August 26 and concluding with the auspicious Thiruvonam day on September 5.
Onam reflects beauty, grace, charm, and inclusivity. While rooted in Hindu mythology, it transcends the boundaries of faith and social hierarchy. It is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Malayalis, regardless of their location across the globe.
Onam aligns with ‘Chingam’, the first month of the Malayalam calendar, marking the harvest season after three months of monsoon rains.
The Legend of Mahabali
Onam is steeped in legend, connected to King Mahabali, an Asura ruler whose reign was so just and benevolent that his kingdom resembled paradise. Envious of this peace, the Devas plotted to ruin his harmony, prompting Vishnu to intervene, disguising himself as a dwarf named Vamana. When granted three steps of land, Vamana expanded to cover the earth and heavens, ultimately banishing Mahabali to the underworld, with the condition of visiting his subjects once a year, which is celebrated as Onam.
Floral Traditions
One of the most vibrant traditions of Onam is the creation of Pookkalam, floral carpets laid out to welcome Mahabali, starting ten days before Thiruvonam. As urbanization increases, flowers for these carpets are often sourced from neighboring states.
Onam Sadhya - The Culinary Highlight
The festival’s culinary centerpiece is the Onam Sadhya, a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, prepared traditionally by women. This meal includes an array of dishes like rice, sambhar, avial, and sweet desserts, with many restaurants catering to the occasion, making it widely accessible across India and even abroad.
Women at the Heart of Celebrations
Onam empowers women, offering them a platform to showcase their creative talents through dance and traditional arts, including Kaikottikali, a celebratory performance involving rhythmic clapping.
Community Involvement and Tourism
Onam festivities extend beyond homes to community spaces, organized by local cultural groups and supported by the State Government through large-scale celebrations that attract tourists, enhancing Kerala’s cultural landscape.
Boat Races and Cultural Impressions
The festival also includes thrilling boat races, particularly in Kuttanad, incorporating both competitive spirit and community participation.
Though Onam primarily celebrates the return of Mahabali, it also acknowledges the complex interplay of mythology and reverence for Vishnu, embodying the shared spirit of the Malayali community across various regions.
