Onam

Onam is a very popular festival of the South which is known as the harvest festival. It is celebrated on a large scale for ten days. This festival is very aesthetic as the floral designs are made in the house with vibrant flowers. They provide us with a sense of prosperity which is the main significance of Onam. 

The rituals of Onam are celebrated around August-September.  Chingham is the onset of the Malayalam year. This is known as Kolla Varsham.

Women adorn themselves with new clothes, flowers and traditional gold jewellery. The celebration of this festival is a reminder of their brimming history. The festival has extensive food culture and folk dances. The elaborate feast is known as sadya. After this, a scintillating dance, kaikottikali, is performed by the people. The story of Onam signifies the homecoming of King Mahabali from Patala Loka.

What Does The Word Onam Mean?

The word Onam comes from the Sanskrit word shravanam. It is related to the constellations or Nakshatras. In the culture of South India, Thiru is associated with Lord Vishnu. People believe that Nakshatra of Lord Vishnu is the Thiruvonam. He used his foot to push King Mahabali to the underworld.

History Of Onam

The story of Onam is interesting. People celebrate Onam to welcome the Mahabali. He is believed to be the mythic demon King. Although he was a demon, he helped people. He was kind-hearted and thoughtful. The Gods were not ready to accept the popularity of Mahabali. They went to Lord Vishnu for help. Mahabali was a true devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu told other Gods that he would conclude without indulging in any battle between the demon King and Gods. 

Vishnu disguised himself as a poor Brahmin. He named this character Vamana. The dwarf brahmin went to the kingdom of Mahabali, asking him to fulfil his three desires. He asked him for property rights which scaled three paces. The demon King agreed to fulfil his wish.

Some Events Of the Onam Festival

• Pookkalam

It is a beautiful carpet of flowers. It is put in front of the house. It is a gesture to welcome the demon King mahabali. The rituals of Onam involve the Kazhcha Kula, Kaikottikkali, snake boat, Puli Kali, Onappottan. After this, they feast for a scrumptious feast known as Sadhya. People buy new clothes for the festival, cook traditional meals and greet each other. The food is served on banana leaves.

Food: Onam Thali 

During the Onam festival, people indulge in traditional games, music and dance. These are called Onakalikal. They feast on a nine-course meal which is Onasadya. 

• Onasadya

Thiruonam is the main day of Onam. On this auspicious day, Onasadya meal is cooked. People cook around 13 dishes and serve them on banana leaves. It mainly has around five vegetables. On this day, many restaurants have curated dishes for Onasadya.

• Onakalikal

It is about the games held during the Onam festival. Talappanthukali is a very famous game. It is the most-played game among men which is played with a ball. They also play Ambeyyal. Women are involved in decorating Pookkalam, organising cultural folk dance and preparing dishes.

• The Vallamkali Boat Race

The boat race is the most prominent part of the Onam festival. This is also called the snake boat race. In this competition, 100 take part in one race. The boats are beautifully decorated. People from far-off places come to see the boat race. 

Conclusion

During Onam, many designs are made with colourful flowers at the house entrance. When the day passes, a new layer of the flower is put on the design to maintain the freshness and importance of Onam. At several places, Pookkalam competitions are also held where the best design is chosen. 

Onasadya has dishes like rasam, rice, sweets, sambar, etc. There are services on the main day of the festival, Thiruvonam. People rejoice in folk dances like the Puli Kali and Kimmatikali. This festival is all about grace, rich history, flowers, colours and prosperity.