Onam is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in the Indian state of Kerala. The festival is celebrated every year in the month of Chingam, which usually falls in August or September, and lasts for ten days. It is a harvest festival and marks the end of the monsoon season.
The festival is celebrated to honor the return of the legendary king Mahabali, who is believed to visit his subjects during Onam. The festival is characterized by elaborate feasts, traditional dances, and colorful decorations. The most famous of these dances is the Kathakali, a highly stylized dance-drama that tells stories from Hindu mythology.
According to the myth, Mahabali was a powerful demon king who had conquered the three worlds – heaven, earth, and the underworld. However, he was also known for his virtue and righteousness, and was beloved by his subjects.
Jealous of Mahabali’s popularity, the gods appealed to the god Vishnu to help them overthrow the demon king. Vishnu took the form of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana and went to Mahabali’s court seeking alms.
Impressed by the Brahmin’s humility and piety, Mahabali granted him a wish. The Brahmin then asked for a piece of land that measured three steps, to which Mahabali agreed.
However, the Brahmin then transformed into his true form as Vishnu and covered the entire earth with one step and the heavens with the second step. Having nowhere else to place his third step, Vishnu asked Mahabali where he should put it.
In an act of selflessness, Mahabali offered his own head, and Vishnu placed his foot on it, subduing the demon king. However, Vishnu was moved by Mahabali’s generosity and granted him a boon, allowing him to return to earth once a year to visit his subjects.
This annual visit is celebrated as Onam, with feasting, singing, and dancing. The festival is also marked by the creation of pookalam, intricate floral designs made with different types of flowers, and the preparation of traditional dishes like rice, sambar, and payasam.
Onam is a time for celebration and gratitude, as well as a reminder of the importance of kindness, generosity, and selflessness.
The main highlight of Onam is the Onam Sadya, a grand feast that is served on a banana leaf and consists of over 20 vegetarian dishes. The meal is usually served in a communal setting and is a symbol of unity and harmony.
Another important tradition during Onam is the Pookalam, a floral carpet made with a variety of flowers arranged in intricate designs. The Pookalam is made every day during the festival and the designs become increasingly complex as the days progress.
The festival also features traditional games and sports, such as the Vallamkali (boat race) and the Pulikali (tiger dance). These events bring together people from different communities and create a sense of camaraderie and togetherness.
Overall, Onam is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Kerala.