ONAM - A MANIFESTATION OF JUBILATION

Well renowned as the harvest festival of India,
Onam is the regional festival of the state of Kerala. It is celebrated with huge pomp and show for a period of ten days throughout the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug-Sep).

 Onam marks the end of summer monsoons. The festival symbolizes the profusion and togetherness of the Keralities. There is an atmosphere of immense festivity.

The Origin of Onam:

As per the myths, Kerala was ruled by the chivalric king Asura King Mahabali. His subjects were very pleased with him. Prosperity and peace flourished in the kingdom thereby instilling a feeling of happiness and satisfaction in the citizens. As a result, Gods became jealous of the philanthropy enjoyed by the Asura King. They plotted against the King to end his reign. Lord Vishnu, disguised as a dwarf Brahmin, came down and taking advantage of the King’s generosity misleaded him to leave his kingdom. Vishnu kicked Mahabali into netherworld. But before encroaching him down to another world, Vishnu granted him a boon: To visit his land and subjects once a year. This homecoming of the Asura King marks the prestigious festival of Onam.

The Advent of Celebrations:

The preparations start 10 days before the festival. As Cleanliness is next to Godliness, the celebrations in Kerala start with people cleaning up their houses and illuminating them. The entire state puts on a blithesome show to welcome the King. People wear new clothes and prepare delicious cuisine.

There are arrays of events that mark the auspicious festival of Onam. The presence of swings marks the advent of Onam. The festival is celebrated for a period of ten days commencing with “atham” where people display their eagerness and excitement with folk dance and songs, elephant processions, temple visits, Vallamkali, snake boat races and cultural programmes.

A flower layout “Pookalam” is noticeable outside every house which marks the coming of the King. Hence Onam is the most awaited and special festival for the Keralities as their desperate wait to meet their benevolent King ends.

There’s no festival without a feast:

There is a grand feast indeed, even in a meager’s hut. Twenty one homemade curries, sweet payasam, pickles, rice and the traditional Onam banquet (Sadya) are served on plantain leaves. Prathaman, a sweet and special pudding made of rice, jackfruit and jiggery is prepared for children. Some of the renowned Onam recipes are Banana Halwa, Coconut Chutney, Avial and Tomato Rasam.

Onam Dances:

Every festival is incomplete without the tapping of feet. Dance adds a different flavor to the festival. Some of the Onam Dances are Kaikotti kali, Kummatti kali, Pulikali / Kaduvakali and Kathakali.

 A festival of togetherness:

It is true that festivals bring people closer. Such a festival is Onam that is celebrated by people belonging to different culture, creed and religions. Inspite of their regional differences, Onam is celebrated by one and all. The gap between the rich and poor is abridged and they celebrate Onam with equal excitement and dedication.

The festival is not limited to the Keralities, but people from other states also visit the state to experience the true essence of Onam, thereby promoting tourism as well. A number of tourists flock to the place to enjoy the festive season. This characteristic of the festival reflects the secular character of the festival. Hence the festival is celebrated with boundless joy thereby inculcating a feeling of unity in the hearts of the people.