Onam Festival – Kerala

Onam is grandly observed by the Malayali Hindus in Kerala and rest of the world. It is a type of harvest festival with regional touch and tradition. It falls on the Thiruvonam Nakshatra in the month of Chingam as per the traditional Malayalam calendar. The festival of Onam homecoming of the legendary Emperor named Mahabali to his native land, Kerala. In the state of Kerala, it is a state festival that grandly celebrated by all during the month of Chingam (August–September) as per the traditional Malayalam calendar. The festivity lasts for ten days without any break. Largely commemorates the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. It also commemorates the subsequent

History of Onam

As per the Hindu religious pundits, the region of the fertile land of Kerala wholeheartedly witnessed its golden era only during the successful ruling of King Mahabali. On the other hand, the Purana related to Bhagavata mentions that Lord Vishnu will largely take the kingdom in a successful manner away from Lord Indra or Purandara and give it to Bali King.” It is to be remembered that the Puranam of the Brahma Vaivarta indicates that Lord Vishnu also wanted to curb the pride of Indra; plus therefore positioned King Mahabali in the actual great power.”

Specialties of Onam

The special day is marked with grand sadya ( verity dish items grand lunch), Ona-thallu,  Thiruvathira Kali, Puli Kali, Thumbi thullal, Thrikkaakarayappan,  Onappottan, Athachamayam in Thrippunithura, Onavillu, Kazhchakkula in Guruvayur, Vallam kali (Boat race), Onathaar, Pookalam ( floral decoration) and Kummaattikkali.

Features of Onam

• Onam is marked with various festivities. With most number of cultural and traditional elements, this is one of the grand festivals celebrated by the Malayalis in Kerala and by Malayalis living in the rest of the world.
• It is one of the ancient festivals in India that still largely survives even in modern times. Onam is regionally known as the Festival of Rain Flowers and Kerala’s rice harvest festival.
• This particular festival united the family members, relatives and friends with perfect bonding of togetherness through its festivity.
• Most of the Malayalis who are abroad return to Kerala in order to celebrate the festival with native members of the large family.
• People wear new dress and gift others plus visit temples with family members, friends and relatives with much devotion, dedication and commitment.
• The official date of Onam is fixed by the Indian National Calendar.
• Onam is reminiscent of agrarian past of Kerala’s.
• It is also regarded to be a harvest festival of Kerala particularly.
• Onam season is the time when most of the Malaylis who are settled or working away from the state returns to their native home for bonding time with festive mood.

Most of the temples celebrates Onam with special prayer meeting and conducts rituals and homams for the devotees and locals. The cities and towns of Kerala are decorated with lights and floral arrangements. The market becomes busy with buyers who indulge in purchasing large quantity of fresh vegetables, fruits and festive groceries. People invite their family members, close relatives and friends to be at home and participate in the Onam celebration.