Onam is a vibrant and colorful festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival that commemorates the mythical return of the legendary King Mahabali. The festival is marked by a ten-day celebration filled with festivities, traditions, and cultural events.
The Legend of Onam
According to Hindu mythology, King Mahabali was a benevolent ruler who was known for his kindness and generosity. However, his virtuous deeds angered the gods, who sent Vamana, a dwarf incarnation of Vishnu, to defeat him. Vamana challenged Mahabali to a wrestling match, promising to give him as much land as he could cover in three strides. In a cunning move, Vamana grew to an enormous size and covered the entire earth with his first two steps. For his third step, there was no place left, so Mahabali offered his own head. Impressed by Mahabali’s humility, Vamana granted him a boon to return to his kingdom once a year to visit his people.
Onam Celebrations
The ten-day Onam celebration is filled with various festivities and traditions. Some of the highlights include:
- Pookalam: The creation of intricate floral carpets, known as pookalams, is a central part of Onam. These colorful designs are made using various flowers and are placed in front of homes and temples.
- Vallam Kali: This is a traditional boat race held on the backwaters of Kerala. Teams compete in long, narrow boats, showcasing their skills and strength.
- Pulikali: This colorful event involves people dressed as tigers and hunters. The participants dance and perform acrobatic feats, creating a vibrant spectacle.
- Onasadya: A grand feast is prepared on Onam day, consisting of a variety of vegetarian dishes. The sadya is typically served on banana leaves and includes delicacies like rice, sambar, rasam, payasam, and various pickles and chutneys.
- Onam Wishes: People exchange Onam wishes with each other, expressing their greetings and best wishes for the festival.
Onam wishes in Malayalam words:
- Onam Ashamsakal: Wishing you a Happy Onam
- Onam Shubhasamsakal: Wishing you a very auspicious Onam
- Onam Nalla Ashamsakal: Wishing you a good Onam
Onam is a joyous and festive occasion that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It is a time for families and friends to come together, enjoy delicious food, and participate in various cultural activities.