Onam brings back a lot of memories. But the most profound one is fighting for more payasam with my siblings. Amma would've made a big vessel of payasam, but still, that one cup you fought with your sister somehow tastes better. Onam, as a whole, is like that cup of palpayasam. Comforting. Nostalgic. Heavenly. India is known for its many vibrant and joyous festivals, but Onam holds a special place in our hearts, because of the memories surrounding it. As another Onam approaches, let’s take a moment to reflect on what this festival truly represents.
Onam is the traditional and cultural festival of our small state, Kerala. Onam is not just a festival but also a celebration of joy and happiness. During this season, we all remember its start. The legacy of Onam is believed to have begun from the legend of King Mahabali.
It all started when Mahabali, although born in the Asura dynasty, grew to be a wise and benevolent king, and under his reign, the kingdom prospered. The people loved him and even the Devas, the celestial being usually at odds with the Asuras, respected him. However, they asked for help from lord Vishnu to test him.
So, Lord Vishnu who disguised himself as a Brahmin dwarf- Vamana, approached the king and asked him for three paces of land as a gift for helping him during the ritual that the king had been conducting. Mahabali readily granted him the wish. At that very moment, Vamana revealed his divine form and grew to cosmic proportions. He placed each of his two feet on both the entire earth and the heavens. So where was the place for his third? Realising this conundrum, the king offered his very head as an offering after which he was taken to the netherworld.
Greatly impressed with Mahabali’s selflessness and loyalty, lord Vishnu granted Mahabali a special boon- he would be allowed to visit his people and land, once, every year. Hence, Mahabali’s annual visit began to be celebrated as Onam as a reminder of his wonderful reign and persona.
The merriment we enjoy during Onam comes from the fact that everyone is involved in its festivities to have fun and prepare for the king’s visit with enchanting ‘pookalams’ and lots of mouth-watering food. It's a time of joy and laughter, to remember a king who made it all possible today.
The celebrations for Onam are held for ten days, beginning with the 'atham' asterism in the month of Chingam as per the local calendar. Each of these ten days is significant, with unique traditions and rituals.
On the first day, Atham, people in Kerala started creating a floral carpet called pookkalam in their homes. On this day, the pookkalam is just a layer of white and yellow flowers. As the days progress, more layers are added and the pookkalam becomes increasingly elaborate and beautiful, reaching its peak glory on the last and main day of Onam, Thiruvonam.
(Onapookkalam in the first day, Atham)
Atham is then followed by, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam and Pooradam. On these days there are no set rituals other than the pookkalam evolving in size and complexity, showing the creativity and skills of the people who craft them.
On the 8th day, Pooradam, small clay statues of Mahabali and Vamana (Onathappan) are placed at the center of pookkalam. Fixing these statues is considered an invitation for Mahabali to visit each house.
The ninth day, Uthradam, is the eve of Onam and is called the first Onam. According to traditional beliefs, Mahabali arrives in Kerala on this day.
Finally, on the tenth day, Thiruvonam, it is believed that King Mahabali visits every home and blesses each family in Kerala. The pookkalam is completed perfectly and the families gather to feast on the Onasadhya.
(Onapookkalam in the last day, Thiruvonam)
(A glimpse into the Onasadhya)
Onam is something that we all look forward to as a joint community; a time to enjoy the festivities and partake in them as well. So this Onam, we hope you will be able to revive the spirit of togetherness and harmony, as it was during Mahabali's time, with loads of laughter and fun.
We wish you a very happy Onam!
- Ann Koshy, Keerthana S
Volunteers, Editorial Committee 2024-25
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