The Opulence of Kerala's Biggest Festival, Onam
Happy Onam! Today marks the end of the ten-day festival of Onam. Here's everything you need to know about the festival!
The grand and auspicious ten-day festival of Onam is the biggest celebration in the state of Kerala. It falls in August and September (Chingam) according to the Malayali calendar. Onam is deemed the harvest festival of the state and also signifies the return of legendary King Mahabali to his home, thus presenting an amalgamation of economic growth and mythological grandeur. This festival brings out the color and culture of the state in abundance.
Onam celebrations take place while nature is in its splendour, with pleasantly sunny days and fields that are ready to be harvested. The fairs are highly anticipated by people from every generation. The festival is a cultural extravaganza where people engage in games and dances.
Besides being a harvest festival, the legend of King Mahabali is also associated with Onam. It is believed that Kerala was once ruled by the Asura king, Mahabali. He was famous among the people for he was kind, judicious, and benevolent. Under his reign, the state was nothing short of a utopia. However, the gods grew increasingly jealous of Mahabali’s popularity and sought Lord Vishnu’s help. Vishnu, in the guise of a poor Brahmin, asked Mahabali for a piece of land that could be covered by his three steps. When the time came to measure the land, Vishnu grew in size and covered the earth and the skies in two steps. Fearful that Vishnu’s third foot might destroy the earth, Mahabali offered his head to Vishnu to place his foot on, and as a result, got himself thrown to Paatal. Pleased by his character and sacrifice, Vishnu granted the Asura king a boon. Mahabali, being attached to his kingdom, requested to be allowed to visit Kerala once a year. Hence, Onam celebrates the sacrifice of King Mahabali and his advent on earth every year.
The cultural activities of Onam range from games to dancing to delicious recipes. Kummattikali is a colorful mask dance, popular around the South Malabar region, where dancers go around houses, entertaining people and collecting gifts. Kathakali, the impeccable amalgamation of dance and drama is a major attraction of the festival with shows being held in different parts of the state. Another interesting form of dance associated with Onam is the Thumbi Thullal, which is an all-women singing and dance event.
The grandest and the most elaborate feast called the Onasadhya is prepared during Onam. It is believed to be the biggest of its kind in the whole world. Other attractions include the Pookalam, an intricate flower arrangement laid out on the floor which can be found in every household during the festivities, the snake boat race, an annual event that attracts tens of thousands of tourists, local and international and the elephant procession at Thrissur, where the animals are decked in gold and paraded around.
All in all, the ten-day festivities of Onam are majestic and of an impressive scale. The festival is heavily promoted by the government and provides a huge boost to tourism in the state. More so than that, the very atmosphere is electrifying as the festival approaches, guaranteeing a breathtaking and resplendent experience of the rich culture and heritage of God’s own country.
- Ananya.
