The significance of Onam festival holds immense depth for the people of Kerala as it celebrates the return of their beloved King Mahabali. This grand ten-day festival is observed during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September). It reaches its peak on Thiruvonam day when every home is filled with happiness and prosperity.
The Story of Mahabali and the Origin of Onam
The festival of Onam is connected to King Mahabali, who is considered the most just and compassionate ruler of Kerala. According to tradition, during Mahabali’s reign, the people were extremely happy and there was no sorrow, discrimination, or injustice in the kingdom. All people were equal and no one lacked anything.
Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar (the dwarf incarnation) and asked Mahabali for three paces of land. When Mahabali agreed to give the boon, Lord Vamana assumed a gigantic form and measured the earth and sky in two steps. For the third step, Mahabali humbly offered his own head. Pleased by this, the Lord granted him a boon that he could visit his people once every year.
Onam is that very day when King Mahabali comes to meet his beloved people.
The Unique Popularity of Onam in Kerala
The significance of Onam festival is especially meaningful in Kerala because it is not merely a religious celebration but a symbol of Kerala’s cultural identity. It is the state’s biggest harvest festival that conveys the message of prosperity, unity, and social harmony.
People of Kerala, regardless of their religion or community, celebrate Onam with full enthusiasm. It is an unparalleled example of unity and brotherhood.
Pookalam: The Beautiful Floral Rangoli
Creating pookalam in the courtyards of homes during Onam is considered highly auspicious. This is a beautiful rangoli made from colorful flowers that symbolizes the welcome of King Mahabali. New flowers are added to the pookalam every day and it becomes largest and most beautiful on the tenth day.
Women and children of the family come together to create beautiful pookalam designs. These artworks made from flowers of various colors are extremely captivating to behold.
Traditional Customs of Onam Festival
Many special traditions are observed during the ten days of Onam. From the first day of Atham, the cleaning of homes begins and the making of pookalam commences. People wear new clothes called Onakkodi.
Vallam Kali, the snake boat race, is a major attraction of Onam. Hundreds of people row together in long boats and the sight is extremely thrilling. Pulikali, the tiger dance, is also very popular in which artists paint themselves like tigers and perform.
On Thiruvonam day, all family members perform special worship together and welcome Mahabali.
Onam Sadhya: A Magnificent Feast
Onam Sadhya is Kerala’s traditional feast that further elevates the significance of Onam festival. It is a grand vegetarian meal served on banana leaves that includes more than 20 dishes.
Sadhya includes delicious dishes like avial, thoran, olan, pachadi, pulissery, sambar, rasam, and payasam. All family members sit in a row and eat together, which symbolizes unity. This meal is not only delicious but also rich in nutrition.
Cultural Programs During Onam
Various cultural programs are organized in Kerala during Onam. Traditional dances like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam are presented. Thumbi Thullal is a folk dance that women perform standing in a circle.
Children and youth enjoy swings and play various traditional games. The entire atmosphere is filled with joy and celebration. Everywhere the sounds of music, dance, and laughter echo.
The Message of Prosperity and Unity
The most beautiful message of Onam is that it considers everyone equal. Mahabali’s kingdom was a symbol of equality where there was no distinction between rich and poor. While celebrating Onam, the people of Kerala keep that very spirit alive.
This festival teaches that sacrifice, humility, and service to others are true greatness. King Mahabali donated everything he had, but his humility made him immortal.
Onam in Modern Times
Even in today’s time, the significance of Onam festival has not diminished. People of Kerala, wherever they live in the world, observe their traditions during Onam. Pookalam competitions are organized even in cities and community sadhya is arranged.
Government and private institutions also organize special programs on the occasion of Onam. This festival also promotes tourism and people from across the country and abroad visit Kerala during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Onam festival celebrated?
Onam is celebrated to mark the return of King Mahabali. According to tradition, Lord Vishnu granted Mahabali the boon that he could visit his people once a year. Onam is that very day when the king comes to meet his people.
How many days is the Onam festival?
Onam is a ten-day festival that begins with Atham and ends with Thiruvonam. Thiruvonam day is considered the most important and the main celebrations take place on this day.
What is pookalam and why is it made?
Pookalam is a rangoli made from flowers that is created to welcome King Mahabali. It is believed that Mahabali is pleased to see beautiful pookalam and prosperity comes to the home.
How many dishes are there in Onam Sadhya?
Traditionally, Onam Sadhya includes more than 20 dishes. All dishes are vegetarian and served on banana leaves. It includes rice, vegetables, lentils, rasam, and sweet dishes.
Where is Onam celebrated besides Kerala?
Onam is primarily a festival of Kerala but it is celebrated wherever the Malayali community lives. Malayali families observe Onam traditions in other states of India and abroad as well.
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