Onam is the official state festival of Kerala, a state in South India. It is primarily a Hindu festival with the backstory about Lord Vishnu, a Hindu deity, and a generous but egotistical king named Mahabali. Today, I will be talking about the backstory of Onam, the way the festival is celebrated and finally the many traditions and games that are performed and played during Onam.
As the Story goes…
Onam is a grand celebration that commemorates the homecoming of a beloved king whose reign was called the golden era. Several thousands of years ago, there was a very generous but egotistical king named Mahabali. Everyone (but the gods) loved him as a ruler. But, unfortunately he was the king of the Asuras (the anti-gods). He had taken over the three worlds of land, underground and heavens. This left the gods destitute. In their raging wrath, they asked Lord Vishnu, the creator to help them get rid of Mahabali. Lord Vishnu agreed to help out the gods and appeared in one of his incarnations, named Vamanan, the dwarf.
Then, one day he went up to King Mahabali’s court and asked him for a favour. King Mahabali was known for his compassion and giving nature and he would grant any request within his power. On Vamanan’s plea, he promptly agreed to grant his request. Vamanan asked for 3 steps of land, to plant his crops. Mahabali thought it was a small request and said yes. But, as soon as he did that, Vamanan started growing to a colossal size. In his larger-than-life form, he took two steps. Those two steps encompassed the entire earth, the heaven and the underworld. Realising that Vamanan was none other than Lord Vishnu, King Mahabali knelt down before him and gave his head for the final step as the ultimate sacrifice.
Lord Vishnu was so impressed by the devotion of Mahabali that he gave him one boon. Mahabali asked to be allowed to visit his subjects once a year. Before smashing Mahabali into the underground, Lord Vishnu granted his request. The one day when Mahabali visits his subjects is the day of Onam. It is the celebration of all Keralites to honour the homecoming of their beloved king.
An Extended Affair
No small celebration, the festival of Onam extends over a course of ten days. The days are known as Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam and Thiruvonam, with the last one being the main day of celebrations. These days are usually in the months of August or September which mark the end of the harvest season. Thus, Onam becomes symbolic of the gratitude offered by the people to their land for endowing them with an abundant harvest. As it also marks the beginning of the Malayalam new year, the festival is ushered in great style and grandeur. Flower rangolis, shopping, gifting and donating to the poor along with numerous parades form the highlight of this festival in Kerala.
Games, Dances and Food
This festival carries a boisterous feel to it. There are many traditions and games that are performed and played during the 10-day festivities. For each day of Onam, flower rangolis are made to welcome king Mahabali on his yearly visit to the land. Dances such as the Thiruvathirakali, and the Pulikali (Tiger Dance) are performed. Lots of games are also played, such as Vadamvalli (Tug of war) and the Vallamkali (Snake boat race). And the best part is the scrumptious food that is prepared. Sadhya (feast), which is looked forward to by everyone, is a special festivity preparation consisting of anywhere between 24- 64 dishes.
In conclusion, the Onam time is a wonderfully festive time in Kerala, with lots of music, games and dancing involved. While men can be seen wearing traditional Kurtas with a white Mundu (also called lungi), the ladies generally wear white saris with golden borders. The whole community comes together to celebrate Onam because it is more of a culturally significant thing rather than a religious festival. It is marked by happiness and enjoyment among all sections of society in Kerala.
With great joy, vigour and reverence, the people of Kerala celebrate this mighty festival to usher in a new year of grace and abundance in everyone’s life.
Writer : Aadarsh Nair
Grade : 9 (Year 2024)
Place : Melbourne, Australia
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