Onam: The Festival of Joy and Happiness
Introduction
Onam is a major festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, a state in southern India. It is a harvest festival that marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of a new year according to the Malayalam calendar. Onam is also a cultural festival that showcases the rich heritage and diversity of Kerala. It is a time of joy, happiness, gratitude, and unity among all sections of society.
The Legend of Onam
The origin of Onam is associated with a popular legend from Hindu mythology. According to the legend, Kerala was once ruled by a benevolent and generous king named Mahabali, who was loved by his subjects. However, he was also arrogant and proud of his power and achievements. The gods felt threatened by his popularity and decided to end his reign. They sent Vishnu, one of the supreme gods, in the form of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana, to test Mahabali’s generosity. Vamana approached Mahabali and asked for three feet of land as a boon. Mahabali agreed without hesitation but soon realized that Vamana was no ordinary Brahmin. He expanded his size and covered the earth and the sky with his first two steps. For his third step, he asked Mahabali where he could place his foot. Mahabali realized his folly and offered his own head as the third step. Vamana placed his foot on Mahabali’s head and pushed him down to the underworld. However, he was impressed by Mahabali’s devotion and granted him a boon to visit his people once every year. This annual visit of Mahabali is celebrated as Onam by the people of Kerala, who welcome him with great enthusiasm and reverence.
The Celebrations of Onam
Onam is celebrated for ten days, starting from the day of Atham (the first day) and ending on the day of Thiruvonam (the tenth day). Each day has its own significance and rituals. Some of the highlights of the festival are:
- Pookalam: Pookalam is a floral carpet or rangoli made with fresh flowers on the courtyard or entrance of every house. It is a symbol of hospitality and prosperity. The design and size of the pookalam increases with each day of Onam.
- Onasadya: Onasadya is a grand feast prepared on the day of Thiruvonam. It consists of various vegetarian dishes served on banana leaves. The feast is enjoyed by family members and guests together. Some of the common dishes are rice, sambar, avial, thoran, pachadi, kichadi, payasam, etc.
- Vallamkali: Vallamkali or snake boat race is a thrilling water sport held on the river Pampa in Alappuzha district. It involves hundreds of oarsmen rowing long and narrow boats decorated with colorful flags and umbrellas. The boats are accompanied by rhythmic songs and cheers from the spectators.
- Pulikali: Pulikali or tiger dance is a folk art form performed by men dressed as tigers and hunters. They paint their bodies with bright colors and dance to the beats of drums and music. The dance depicts the hunting scenes and the playful antics of the tigers.
- Thiruvathirakali: Thiruvathirakali or Kaikottikali is a graceful dance performed by women in a circular formation around a lamp or a floral decoration. They sing songs praising Lord Shiva and Parvati, who are believed to have been reunited on this day.
- Onakkodi: Onakkodi or new clothes are gifted by elders to their younger ones on this occasion. People wear traditional attire such as mundu, veshti, saree, etc., in white or cream color with golden borders.
- Onapottan: Onapottan is a character who visits houses dressed as King Mahabali or Vamana. He wears a mask, a crown, an umbrella, and carries a staff. He blesses the people and receives gifts or offerings from them.
Conclusion
Onam is a festival that celebrates the spirit of harmony, gratitude, and joy among the people of Kerala. It is a festival that showcases the rich culture and traditions of Kerala to the world. It is a festival that reminds us of the values of generosity, humility, and devotion exemplified by King Mahabali. Onam is truly a festival of joy and happiness for everyone.
Also Read: Onam 2023: Thiruvonam Date, Story, Significance and Imporatant Facts of the festival
