Described as God’s own country for its beautiful landscapes, Kerala is also known for its colorful and spectacular Onam celebrations, when hordes of domestic and international tourists, as well as Malayalis living in other states and countries, descend on this verdant state that is so abundantly blessed by Mother Nature. Onam is the most important festival of Kerala. It falls in Chingam (Aug-Sept), the first month in the Malayalam calendar.
Onam is a 10-day festival. During Onam, the state's rich cultural heritage and traditions are on full display. The festival is celebrated by all communities who come together to make it a roaring success.
Onam can be described as a harvest and cultural festival. Spread over 10 days, the festival celebrates the return of Mahabali, the benevolent king who once ruled this land, according to mythology. It also commemorates the advent of Vamana, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Onam Date & Timings 2024
Onam is the day when Thiruvonam Nakshatra appears in Chingam month. The Nakshatra is also called Shravana. In 2024, Onam celebrations will commence on September 6 (Friday) and end on September 17 (Tuesday). The main celebration, Thiruvonam, will be on September 15 (Sunday).
Legend of King Mahabali
Mahabali, or Maveli, as the people of Kerala fondly call him, was a powerful and benevolent king whose reign brought prosperity, peace, and happiness to his subjects. He was very generous and just, and his subjects loved and respected him. Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlad, to save whom Vishnu took his Narasimha avatar. Though he was an Asura, Prahlad was a great Vishnu devotee. Mahabali, too, was a devotee of Vishnu.
As Mahabali’s power and popularity increased and his kingdom grew more prosperous, even the gods in heaven became envious of him. They also feared that he would become a threat to them.
The gods approached Vishnu and asked him to curtail Mahabali’s power. So, Vishnu was born as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, on earth. One day, Mahabali was performing a great Yagna. Seizing this opportunity, Vamana approached Mahabali and asked for three paces of land. Though Mahabali’s Guru, Shukracharya, smelt a rat and warned Mahabali not to grant his wish, the generous king ignored his warning. As soon as he granted Vamana’s wish, the latter turned into a giant. He took two feet and covered the earth and the heavens. As there was no place for him to take the third step, Mahabali offered his own head for Vamana to place his foot. Vamana, with one push, sent him to Pataal Lok. But, pleased with his generosity, Vishnu allowed him to visit his kingdom once every year. To welcome Mahabali on his annual visit, people began to celebrate the Onam festival.
Significance of Onam
Onam is a festival of great significance for the people of Kerala. As a harvest festival, it is when the new harvest arrives. It is also a festival that showcases the spirit of unity between the people of Kerala. Kerala is home to Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, who come together to celebrate Onam in peace and harmony. Onam also offers an opportunity to showcase Kerala’s art forms, rich traditions, and delicious cuisine. It offers an immersive experience of Kerala’s cultural heritage.
Onam Rituals and Traditions
Onam festival has many rituals and traditions. Let us explore some of the most important customs of this vibrant festival.
Pookkalam: Creating beautiful floral carpets, called Pookkalam, is a highlight of the festival. The entire family comes together to create these floral arrangements in their home. New layers are added each day until Thiruvonam.
Onasadya: This grand feast is served on banana leaves and includes a lot of traditional Kerala dishes, with more than 20 different items, including 3 types of Payasam.
Vallamkali: Vallamkali refers to the famous snake boat races, where several teams of rowers compete. It is a wonderful display of teamwork.
Kaikottikali/Thiruvathira Kali: In this traditional dance form, women wearing traditional Kerala saris and jewelry form a circle and dance to the rhythm of folk songs.
Pulikkali (Tiger Dance): In this vibrant dance, the performers paint themselves to resemble tigers and leopards and dance to the beats of folk music. Pulikkali originated more than 200 years ago. It was the then Maharaja of Cochin, Rama Varma Shaktan Thampuran, who introduced it.
Conclusion
For the people of Kerala, Onam harks back to a golden age of peace, happiness, and plenty, when everyone lived in harmony and unity, and nobody lacked anything. They believe that when the legendary king Mahabali returns, they should recreate that golden age to please him and reassure him that all is well in his land and with his subjects despite his absence. So, for these 10 days, Malayalis make merry and put on a grand spectacle. Onam also embodies values like unity, generosity, and equality, which prevailed during Mahabali’s reign.
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