Spiritual Guidance and Inspiration

Onam

The Grand Festival of Kerala

Onam, the state festival of Kerala, is celebrated with great enthusiasm, joy, and a sense of community. It is one of the most culturally rich and vibrant festivals of India, symbolizing the harvest season and welcoming the legendary King Mahabali, whose annual homecoming is believed to bring prosperity and happiness. This grand celebration, which transcends religion and caste, reflects Kerala’s unity in diversity. Celebrated over a span of 10 days, Onam offers a plethora of traditions, rituals, and festivities that capture the very essence of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.

In this blog, we will explore the historical significance, detailed day-by-day rituals, traditional customs, and the cultural impact of Onam.

Historical Significance of Onam

At the heart of Onam lies the legend of King Mahabali, a beloved ruler from Kerala's mythological past. King Mahabali was an Asura (demon) king, but unlike the negative connotations associated with demons in Hindu mythology, Mahabali was known for his benevolence, generosity, and sense of justice. Under his reign, Kerala was believed to have experienced a golden era, marked by prosperity, equality, and the well-being of every citizen. It is said that there was no poverty, dishonesty, or crime in Mahabali's kingdom, and everyone lived in peace and harmony.

However, Mahabali’s growing popularity and power began to worry the Devas (gods), who felt threatened by his influence. They turned to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, for help. Vishnu, in his divine wisdom, chose not to wage war against the benevolent king. Instead, he incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, to test Mahabali's righteousness.

During a grand Yagna (sacrificial ritual) organized by the king, Vamana approached Mahabali and requested three paces of land. Being a generous ruler, Mahabali agreed. But Vamana, who was no ordinary Brahmin, grew to a cosmic size. With his first step, he covered the earth; with his second, he covered the heavens. Left with nowhere else to step, Mahabali humbly offered his own head for Vamana's third step. Lord Vishnu, pleased with the king’s devotion and humility, granted him the boon to return once a year to visit his people. Onam commemorates this annual visit of King Mahabali to his land and his people, celebrating his memory with grandeur.

This legend not only gives Onam its mythological roots but also encapsulates the virtues of humility, generosity, and devotion. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of time, where even the most powerful must bow to the divine order, yet goodness and righteousness are eternally rewarded.

The 10 Days of Onam Celebrations

Onam is celebrated for 10 days, beginning with Atham and culminating with Thiruvonam, the most important day. Each day of the festival carries specific rituals and cultural practices, gradually building up the excitement and festivity.

1. Atham (Day 1)

Atham marks the official beginning of Onam celebrations. On this day, families start preparing their homes for the upcoming festival. Pookalams, intricate floral rangolis, are made outside homes to welcome King Mahabali. On Atham, the size of the Pookalam is relatively small, consisting of a single layer, and as the days progress, more layers and flowers are added. This tradition of creating floral designs not only signifies prosperity but also the beginning of the harvest season.

In addition to this, processions are organized in several parts of Kerala, especially in Thrippunithura near Kochi, where a grand cultural procession known as the Athachamayam takes place. Decorated elephants, traditional music bands, folk dance performances, and a display of Kerala's art forms add color and vibrancy to the Atham celebrations.

2. Chithira (Day 2)

The second day of Onam, Chithira, involves thorough cleaning of houses. People ensure that their homes are spotless and adorned with new decorations to honor the impending visit of King Mahabali. The Pookalam made on Atham is further embellished with more flowers, and intricate patterns are added. This day represents cleanliness and preparation, both literally and symbolically, for a prosperous and joyous celebration.

3. Chodhi (Day 3)

Chodhi is an exciting day for families as it is the designated day for shopping. Traditionally, new clothes, known as Onakkodi, are bought for the occasion. Onam is also a time for exchanging gifts with loved ones. People shop for new sarees, gold ornaments, and household items, making this a day filled with market hustle and excitement. The Pookalam continues to grow, with even more intricate designs and a greater variety of flowers.

4. Vishakam (Day 4)

Vishakam is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Onam celebrations. On this day, preparations for the grand Onasadya, the traditional Onam feast, begin in earnest. The vegetables and provisions required for the Sadya are purchased, and households start preparing for the numerous dishes that will be served.

In the past, Vishakam was the day when the first rice from the harvest would be offered to the gods and ancestors, symbolizing gratitude for a bountiful crop.

5. Anizham (Day 5)

Anizham is one of the most thrilling days of the Onam festival, as it marks the beginning of the Vallamkali or snake boat races. Vallamkali is a traditional boat race held in the backwaters of Kerala, where long snake-shaped boats called Chundan Vallams are rowed by teams of 100 or more oarsmen to the rhythmic beat of traditional songs. This exhilarating race is a major tourist attraction and brings together communities in friendly competition. The sight of these boats cutting through the waters is a spectacle in itself, symbolizing unity, strength, and coordination.

6. Thriketa (Day 6)

On the sixth day, the festive spirit intensifies as families begin visiting relatives and exchanging gifts. It’s a day of social gatherings, where communities come together to celebrate and strengthen bonds. Special prayers and offerings are made at temples, invoking blessings for the days ahead. The Pookalams by this day have grown in size and beauty, reflecting the excitement building up for Thiruvonam.

7. Moolam (Day 7)

Moolam sees the temples across Kerala preparing for the grand celebrations. In many temples, small-scale Onasadya feasts are organized, and cultural programs, such as Kathakali performances, are held. Kathakali, a classical dance-drama form from Kerala, is famous for its elaborate makeup, costumes, and storytelling. These performances depict stories from Hindu epics, often portraying the return of King Mahabali and other mythological tales.

8. Pooradam (Day 8)

Pooradam is significant as it is the day when idols representing King Mahabali and Vamana are installed in homes. Families decorate these idols and perform rituals to welcome Mahabali, offering prayers for prosperity. This day is seen as a spiritual preparation for the climax of Onam and is marked by devotion and reverence. The Pookalam takes its final form, adorned with vibrant flowers and intricate patterns.

9. Uthradam (Day 9)

Uthradam is often referred to as the "Onam eve." On this day, people indulge in last-minute preparations. Markets are bustling with activity as households rush to buy fresh vegetables, fruits, and items for the grand Onasadya. It is believed that King Mahabali starts his journey towards Kerala on this day, and families eagerly await his arrival. The festive spirit is at its peak, and homes are filled with joy and excitement as they gear up for Thiruvonam.

10. Thiruvonam (Day 10)

Thiruvonam is the most important and auspicious day of the entire festival. According to tradition, this is the day King Mahabali visits his subjects. Families wake up early, clean their homes, and take a bath as part of the purification process. They wear new clothes, typically traditional Kerala attire – men wear Mundu (a white cloth tied around the waist), and women adorn themselves in elegant Kerala sarees. Special prayers are offered to invite the spirit of Mahabali into their homes.

The highlight of the day is the Onasadya, a lavish feast consisting of over 20-30 dishes, served on banana leaves. The Sadya includes delicacies like Avial (a vegetable dish), Sambar, Thoran (stir-fried vegetables), and Payasam (a sweet dish made of rice, milk, and jaggery). The feast symbolizes abundance and unity, as families gather together to enjoy the meal. After the meal, various traditional games, known as Onakalikal, are played, adding to the festive spirit.

Onam Traditions and Customs

The customs and traditions of Onam are as diverse as they are colorful. Each element of the celebration contributes to the rich cultural tapestry that makes Onam unique.

Pookalam (Floral Rangoli): The Pookalam is a floral rangoli that is created in front of homes during the 10 days of Onam. It is made using fresh flowers and designed in intricate, symmetrical patterns. Every day, a new layer of flowers is added, representing the progression of the festival. In many regions, Pookalam competitions are held, where people vie to create the most elaborate and beautiful designs. The Pookalam is a symbol of welcome, inviting King Mahabali into the homes of devotees and representing prosperity and joy.

Vallamkali (Snake Boat Race): The Vallamkali is one of the most famous and spectacular traditions of Onam. The snake boat race involves long, slender boats that resemble the shape of a snake. These boats, manned by over 100 rowers, race through the backwaters of Kerala in a breathtaking display of strength, coordination, and teamwork. The most famous of these races is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. Thousands of spectators gather to watch this thrilling competition, and it has become a symbol of Kerala’s rich maritime culture and unity.

Onasadya (The Feast): The Onasadya, or Onam feast, is a grand culinary affair that features a wide variety of traditional Kerala dishes. It is a vegetarian meal, served on a banana leaf, with each item holding symbolic significance. The dishes include:

Rice: The staple food of Kerala, representing sustenance.

Avial: A mix of vegetables cooked in coconut, symbolizing the richness of the land.

Sambar: A lentil-based curry, representing health and vitality.

Thoran: Stir-fried vegetables that symbolize abundance.

Payasam: A sweet dish made from milk and jaggery, signifying happiness and fulfillment.

The Onasadya is not just a meal but a representation of the bounty of the harvest and the generosity of King Mahabali’s reign. It is a time when families and communities come together to share food and celebrate the spirit of unity.

Pulikali (Tiger Dance): Pulikali, meaning "tiger dance," is a unique and colorful folk art that forms an integral part of Onam celebrations. Performers paint their bodies to resemble tigers and leopards, and they dance to the beat of traditional drums, mimicking the movements of the animals. This playful art form is both entertaining and a visual spectacle, drawing large crowds during Onam. Pulikali performances are especially popular in Thrissur, where the streets come alive with the vibrant colors and rhythmic beats of the dancers.

Thiruvathira Kali: Thiruvathira Kali is a traditional group dance performed by women during Onam. The women, dressed in traditional Kerala attire, dance gracefully in a circle around a lamp, synchronizing their movements to traditional songs. The dance celebrates feminine grace and beauty, and it is performed to honor Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and marital bliss, making it a vital part of the cultural festivities during Onam.

Cultural Impact of Onam

Onam goes beyond being a festival; it is a cultural emblem of Kerala. The festival fosters a spirit of unity, transcending religious and social boundaries. It reflects the egalitarian ideals of King Mahabali’s reign, where everyone lived in harmony, and social divisions dissolved in the spirit of the celebration.

Schools, colleges, and offices remain closed during the festival, allowing everyone to participate in the festivities. Local clubs and cultural organizations often organize sports events, music performances, and dance competitions, keeping the festive mood alive. The government of Kerala also takes an active role, organizing tourism and cultural programs to showcase the state's rich heritage to visitors from around the world. This has made Onam an international festival, drawing tourists from across the globe.

In regions outside Kerala, particularly among the Malayali diaspora, Onam is celebrated with the same fervor. Community halls are transformed into festive grounds where families gather to cook Onasadya, perform traditional dances, and share stories about the legend of King Mahabali.

Conclusion

Onam is a festival that beautifully blends mythology, tradition, and the spirit of unity. It is a time when Kerala comes alive with celebrations that reflect its cultural richness, bringing together people of all backgrounds. Whether it's through the intricately designed Pookalams, the thrilling Vallamkali boat races, or the sumptuous Onasadya feast, Onam showcases the soul of Kerala. For ten days, the people of Kerala unite to celebrate not just a festival, but an enduring legacy of a just and benevolent king whose reign symbolizes equality, prosperity, and happiness.

As Onam continues to evolve, its timeless message of unity, prosperity, and cultural pride remains as strong as ever. It is a festival that continues to inspire and bring joy to millions, making it one of the most beloved and celebrated festivals in India.