Onam is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Kerala, a state in southern India. It is a harvest festival, traditionally marking the return of King Mahabali, a legendary king under whose rule the people of Kerala are believed to have lived in peace, equality, and prosperity. Over the centuries, Onam has evolved into a symbol of Kerala’s rich culture, blending Hindu mythology with regional agricultural traditions and values of inclusivity, joy, and community bonding. This festival is not limited to one specific religion, despite its origins in Hindu mythology, and is celebrated by people of all communities in Kerala.
Historical and Mythological Significance of Onam
The festival of Onam is intrinsically linked to the mythological story of King Mahabali. According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali was a powerful Asura (demon) king who ruled Kerala during a golden era of prosperity. Although he belonged to the Asura clan, traditionally opposed to the Devas (gods), Mahabali was known for his just and benevolent rule. It is said that under his reign, there was no discrimination, theft, or deceit, and the people were content, living in harmony.
Mahabali’s growing power, however, made the gods anxious. Worried that his influence would overshadow them, they sought help from Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in the Hindu trinity. Vishnu, taking the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, visited Mahabali and requested as much land as he could cover in three strides. Known for his generosity, Mahabali agreed. Vamana then expanded to a cosmic size, covering the earth and the sky in two steps, leaving no room for the third. Understanding that this was no ordinary request, Mahabali offered his own head for the third step. Pleased with his devotion, Vishnu granted Mahabali a boon, allowing him to return once every year to visit his people. Onam celebrates this annual return, when Mahabali comes back to see his beloved subjects, ensuring their well-being.
Cultural and Social Importance
Onam is a harvest festival, and its timing aligns with the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September), coinciding with the harvest of new crops. The festival thus reflects Kerala’s agrarian roots and celebrates the abundance and fertility of the land. It is a time when the fields are lush with crops, and the granaries are full, making it a time for joy and celebration. Historically, the celebration of the harvest was a way for farmers to give thanks for the bounty of nature and to prepare for the coming year.
While rooted in Hindu mythology, Onam is celebrated by all communities in Kerala, including Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, symbolizing the inclusive nature of the festival. It brings people together in a spirit of unity and harmony, transcending religious and social boundaries. This inclusivity is one of the reasons Onam has become a global festival, celebrated by Keralites living in different parts of the world.
The Ten Days of Onam
Onam is a ten-day festival, with each day having its own significance and set of rituals. The celebrations begin with Atham and culminate on Thiruvonam, the most important day.
Atham: The festival starts with Atham, which marks the beginning of Onam. People clean their houses and start making floral carpets (Pookalam) in front of their homes. The size and complexity of the Pookalam increase each day as more flowers are added.
Chithira: On the second day, new flowers are added to the Pookalam, and people start preparing for the upcoming festivities. Markets begin to bustle with activity as people buy essentials for the festival.
Chodhi: Shopping for new clothes and gifts begins in earnest on Chodhi. It is customary to buy new clothes, known as Onakkodi, for family members and friends.
Vishakam: Traditionally, Vishakam is considered one of the most auspicious days of Onam. It is also the day when the preparations for the grand Onam feast, the Onam Sadya, start. In earlier times, agricultural produce from the fields would reach homes by this day, making it an important day for trade and commerce.
Anizham: The day of Anizham is marked by the start of the Vallamkali, or snake boat races, which are a major attraction during Onam. These races, featuring long, narrow boats rowed by teams of men, are held in various parts of Kerala, especially on the Pamba River.
Thriketa: By this day, schools and offices typically close for the Onam holidays, and people begin visiting their ancestral homes to celebrate with their families. The Pookalam continues to grow larger and more intricate.
Moolam: Temples start offering special prayers on Moolam, and smaller versions of the Onam Sadya begin to be served. Cultural programs, including dances, songs, and traditional games, are also organized.
Pooradam: On Pooradam, statues of Mahabali and Vamana are placed in the middle of the Pookalam. This day is also marked by community gatherings and preparations for the main festivities.
Uthradam: Uthradam is known as the first day of Onam, and it is believed that King Mahabali arrives in Kerala on this day. People buy fresh vegetables and prepare for the grand feast the next day. It is a day of joy and anticipation.
Thiruvonam: Thiruvonam is the most important day of the festival. The day starts with a bath and prayers, and families come together to enjoy the Onam Sadya, a grand feast served on banana leaves. The Sadya consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, pickles, and payasam (a traditional dessert). The Pookalam is completed, and people wear their finest clothes to mark the occasion. It is a day of joy, gratitude, and togetherness, as people remember the golden age of Mahabali’s reign.
Onam Sadya – The Grand Feast
The Onam Sadya is one of the most iconic and anticipated aspects of the festival. It is a multi-course vegetarian feast traditionally served on a banana leaf. The Sadya consists of a wide variety of dishes, showcasing the richness and diversity of Kerala’s cuisine. Typically, around 26 to 30 dishes are served, although the number can vary depending on the household.
Some of the key components of the Sadya include:
- Rice: The staple food of Kerala, served with various accompaniments.
- Sambar: A lentil-based vegetable stew flavored with tamarind and spices.
- Avial: A thick mixture of vegetables, curd, and coconut, seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves.
- Thoran: A dry vegetable dish cooked with grated coconut.
- Olan: A light, coconut milk-based dish made with ash gourd and black-eyed peas.
- Pachadi and Kichadi: Yogurt-based dishes, one sweet and the other savory, made with fruits or vegetables.
- Pickles and chutneys: Various spicy and tangy accompaniments.
- Payasam: A sweet pudding made with rice, lentils, or vermicelli, cooked in milk or coconut milk.
The Sadya is not just a meal but a cultural experience that embodies the spirit of sharing, community, and abundance. It is enjoyed by families and communities, and often, people come together in large groups to partake in the feast.
Vallamkali – The Snake Boat Races
One of the most exciting and visually spectacular aspects of Onam is the Vallamkali or snake boat races. These races are held on the rivers and backwaters of Kerala and feature long, narrow boats called "chundan vallams," which are shaped like snakes and can be up to 100 feet in length. Each boat is rowed by around 100 oarsmen, moving in perfect unison to the rhythm of traditional songs and drums. The boat races attract large crowds, and the competition is fierce, with teams from different villages vying for victory. The most famous of these races is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha.
The Vallamkali is not just a display of physical prowess but also a celebration of teamwork, community spirit, and Kerala’s connection to its waterways. The boats themselves are beautifully decorated, and the races are accompanied by festivities, music, and dance, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Other Cultural Celebrations
Apart from the Sadya and Vallamkali, Onam is marked by various traditional art forms and cultural activities. Some of the most popular ones include:
Pookalam: The intricate floral carpets made during Onam are a symbol of prosperity and beauty. Families and communities take pride in creating elaborate designs using flowers of different colors and sizes. Competitions are also held to see who can make the most beautiful and intricate Pookalam.
Kaikottikali: Also known as Thiruvathirakali, this is a traditional dance performed by women during Onam. The dancers form a circle and perform graceful, rhythmic movements to the accompaniment of clapping and singing. It is a celebration of feminine grace and joy.
Pulikali: Pulikali, or the tiger dance, is a folk art form performed during Onam. Men paint their bodies to resemble tigers and leopards and dance to the beats of traditional drums. This colorful and energetic performance is meant to entertain the crowds and is a highlight of the Onam celebrations in Thrissur.
Kummattikali: Another traditional dance form performed during Onam, Kummattikali involves dancers wearing colorful wooden masks and costumes. The dancers move from house to house, entertaining people with their lively performances.
Onathallu: Onathallu is a traditional form of martial art practiced during Onam, where men engage in friendly combat using sticks. It is a way of showcasing physical strength and skill, and the bouts are usually accompanied by traditional music and cheering from the crowd.
Onam in Modern Times
In contemporary times, Onam has evolved beyond its religious and agrarian roots to become a symbol of Kerala’s cultural identity. The government of Kerala promotes the festival as a tourism event, attracting visitors from around the world to experience the state’s rich traditions and natural beauty. Onam celebrations are broadcast on television, and special programs, films, and cultural shows are aired throughout the ten days.
For the Malayali diaspora, Onam serves as a way to stay connected to their roots and culture. Keralites living in different parts of India and around the world celebrate the festival with as much fervor as those in Kerala, organizing community feasts, cultural performances, and Pookalam competitions.
In conclusion, Onam is a festival that beautifully encapsulates Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, its agrarian traditions, and its spirit of inclusivity and community. Whether it is the myth of Mahabali, the joyous celebration of the harvest, or the elaborate cultural performances, Onam is a time when people come together to celebrate life, nature, and the bonds that unite them. It is a festival that transcends religious boundaries and fosters a sense of unity, making it a truly unique and cherished celebration in Kerala’s cultural calendar.
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