Onam: A Kaleidoscope of Colors and Flavors

Posted On: 2024-09-13 10:26:06

Kerala's well-known harvest festival, Onam, is more than simply a party; it's a vivid representation of the state's rich cultural legacy. This ten-day celebration, which is observed by Malayalis worldwide, commemorates the return of the fabled King Mahabali, whose reign is seen as a golden age of prosperity and harmony. 

The legend of Mahabali, a kind monarch whose reign is preserved in Keralite culture, is at the core of Onam celebrations. Legend has it that Mahabali was the people's king who defied the gods to rule the realm with such justice and love for his subjects. His reign was characterised by fairness and prosperity. Feeling scared by his increasing strength, the gods turned to Vishnu for assistance. In exchange for Mahabali ceding his empire, Vishnu, disguised as the dwarf Brahmin Vamana, bestowed upon him the blessing of one yearly journey to his homeland, which is celebrated as Onam.

Over ten days are dedicated to Onam celebrations, with a fresh wave of happiness and community emerging every day. An overview of the main features of this festival is provided here:

1. Pookalam: One of the most beautiful views during Onam is the elaborate floral carpet or pookalam. People use fresh flowers to make vibrant arrangements in front of their homes every morning. It is a greeting gesture for King Mahabali and a symbol of prosperity.
2. Sadya Onam: In Kerala, a celebration wouldn't be complete without food, and the festival's centrepiece is Onam Sadya. A lavish vegetarian meal consisting of avial, sambar, thoran, and payasam is served on banana leaves. The abundance of products in Kerala and the custom of having meals together are reflected in the Onam Sadya's cuisine.
3. Vallam Kali: Vallam Kali, often called the snake boat race, is one of the most exciting Onam celebrations. The enormous snake boats are rowed rhythmically, and the rowers chant a song to symbolise community spirit and togetherness. The race is an expression of Kerala's close ties to its maritime heritage and backwaters.
4. Traditional Dances: The festival of Onam honours art and culture. During the festival, Thiruvathirakali and Kathakali are performed throughout Kerala. These traditional classical dance styles enhance the cultural richness of Onam by telling tales from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
5. Pulikali: The "Tiger Dance," or Pulikali Pulikali, is a well-known component of Onam celebrations. Men dance to the sounds of traditional instruments while painting themselves in the likeness of tigers. For anyone travelling to Kerala during Onam, it is a must-see display of the state's colourful traditional culture.

Onam is a festival that is celebrated by people of all faiths in Kerala, despite its origins in Hindu mythology. It's a time for family get-togethers and individuals to respect a common culture by coming together, regardless of their background or religion. The festival is distinctive in that it is secular since it symbolises the values of harmony and inclusivity.

In the modern world, Onam is celebrated with equal zeal by Malayali groups all over the world, having spread beyond Kerala's boundaries. Modern celebrations feature big processions, sports, and cultural events, demonstrating a fusion of the ancient and the contemporary, although traditional components like Pookalam and Sadya still exist.

In addition to being a holiday, Onam is a celebration of Kerala's core values, which include a love of community, customs, and the abundant natural world. It's a season when the state comes to life with hues, melodies, and the cosiness of community, serving as a constant reminder of all of the virtues of contentment, prosperity, and humility.

The yearly arrival of King Mahabali serves as a constant reminder of Kerala's beautiful history to the people, but Onam celebrations also inspire optimism and solidarity that cut across generations. Filaantro along with Child Help Foundation wishes everyone A Happy Onam!

AUTHOR: ATHIRA PRADEEP NAIR