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Onam is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival that marks the return of the mythical king Mahabali. Usually falling in the months of August or September, the festival lasts for ten days. During this time, the people of Kerala come together to celebrate with various rituals, feasts, and cultural performances.
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Why is Onam celebrated?
Onam is a vibrant and colorful festival celebrated in the South Indian state of Kerala. Onam is celebrated to honor King Mahabali, a ruler known for his wisdom, generosity, and righteous rule. It is a harvest festival that marks the return of the mythical King Mahabali. It is a time of joy, feasting, and traditional rituals that bring people of all ages and backgrounds together.
But why is Onam celebrated? Let us delve into the significance of this auspicious festival. According to legend, King Mahabali was cast into the underworld by Vishnu, but he was allowed to visit his kingdom once a year during Onam. It is a way for the people of Kerala to welcome their beloved king and express their respect and gratitude to him.
The Legend of King Mahabali
One of the main reasons behind the celebration of Onam is the legend of King Mahabali. According to Hindu mythology, King Mahabali was a just and generous ruler, and the people loved him. However, his growing power and popularity began to annoy the gods, especially Vishnu. To end Mahabali's rule, Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana and asked Mahabali for land as a gift. Ignoring his advisor's warnings, Mahabali accepted Vamana's request. Vamana then grew large, took giant steps, covering the entire earth with one step, and the entire sky with another. With no room to take his third step, Mahabali offered Vamana his head to step on, thus banishing him to Patala. However, before leaving, Vishnu granted Mahabali a boon - to visit his kingdom once a year, which is celebrated as Onam.
How is Onam celebrated?
Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement across Kerala. One of the main attractions of the festival is the intricate flower carpets known as 'pookalam', which are spread in front of houses to welcome Mahabali. People participate in traditional dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, as well as in colorful processions and boat races.
What are some traditional Onam dishes?
The Onam festival is also a time to enjoy and savor delicious dishes that are unique to the festival. Some of the traditional Onam dishes are 'Sadya'. It is a vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf containing various dishes like rice, sambar, aviyal, and payasam. The sumptuous food is a symbol of unity and togetherness as people come together to enjoy the feast.
What are some popular activities during Onam?
Kerala is awash with colourful events and celebrations during Onam. One of the most popular activities is the 'Pulikkali' or tiger dance, where performers dressed as tigers dance through the streets to the beat of traditional drums. Another attraction is the 'Vallamakali' or boat race, where beautifully decorated snake boats compete against each other by displaying skill and coordination.
Why is Onam special in Kerala?
Onam holds a special place in the hearts of Keralites as it is a time for family, traditions and celebrations. The ten-day celebration brings people from all walks of life together to share in the joyous atmosphere and create lasting memories. The spirit of unity and togetherness that permeates Onam makes Onam a unique and special festival in Kerala.
Harvest Festival:
Onam is a major harvest festival, symbolizing prosperity and gratitude for the abundance of the land.
What is a Harvest Festival?
A Harvest Festival is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the end of the agricultural growing season. It is a time for communities to come together and give thanks for the abundance of crops that have been harvested. With roots in ancient agrarian cultures, Harvest Festivals are a way to acknowledge the hard work of farmers and express gratitude for the bountiful harvest.
Ten-Day Celebration:
Onam is celebrated over a period of ten days, each day having its significance and unique traditions. Let's take a closer look at how the festival unfolds:
Day 1: Atham
The first day of Onam, known as Atham, marks the beginning of the festival. People start preparing for the festivities by cleaning their homes and shopping for new clothes and decorations. The Athapookalam, a small flower carpet, is also laid out to welcome King Mahabali.
Day 2-9: Pookalam, Music, and Dance
During the next eight days, the Pookalam grows in size, with each day adding new layers of flowers and intricate designs. Cultural performances, including traditional music and dance shows like Thiruvathira, are held throughout the state. People also participate in various games and sports, such as Vallamkali (boat racing) and Pulikali (tiger dance).
Day 10: Thiru Onam
The tenth and final day of Onam, known as Thiru Onam, is the most significant day of the festival. The grand Pookalam is completed, and families come together for a sumptuous feast known as Onasadya. This vegetarian meal consists of a variety of dishes served on a banana leaf. The highlight of the feast is the traditional dessert, Payasam.
Pookalam (Flower Carpets):
People decorate their homes with elaborate flower arrangements called Pookalam, which are believed to welcome King Mahabali.
Pookalam has its roots in Hindu mythology, specifically the legend of King Mahabali, who is believed to visit Kerala during Onam. The intricate flower carpets are a way to welcome the king and seek his blessings for a prosperous year ahead. Over time, Pookalam has evolved into a competitive art form, with families and communities vying to create the most stunning and elaborate designs.
The Artistry of Pookalam
Creating a Pookalam is no easy feat. It requires meticulous planning, skilled hands, and a keen eye for detail. Typically, a circular base is made using a mixture of cow dung and water, which acts as a natural adhesive for the flowers. Then, colorful petals, leaves, and sometimes even grains and pulses are arranged in intricate patterns to form the carpet. The designs can range from simple geometric shapes to elaborate motifs inspired by nature, mythology, and folklore.
Significance of Pookalam in Onam Celebrations
Pookalam is not just a form of decoration; it holds deep cultural and religious significance. It is believed that the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, visits homes that are adorned with Pookalam during Onam. The tradition also promotes harmony and unity, as families and communities come together to create these beautiful works of art.
Pookalam Competitions and Festivities
During Onam, Pookalam competitions are held in schools, colleges, and other institutions, where participants showcase their creativity and skill in designing these flower carpets. The designs are judged based on their symmetry, color coordination, and overall aesthetic appeal. Winners are awarded prizes and accolades, adding an element of friendly competition to the festive celebrations.
Preserving the Tradition
In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and promote the art of Pookalam. Workshops and training programs are organized to teach the younger generation the techniques and significance of this traditional art form. Additionally, initiatives are taken to use eco-friendly materials and flowers in creating Pookalam, promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness.
The Rituals of Onasadya
A grand vegetarian feast with over 25 dishes, Onasadya, is served on a banana leaf and is an indispensable part of the celebrations.
The Onasadya is not just about the food; it is also about the rituals and traditions that accompany the feast. Before partaking in the meal, it is customary to wash your hands and feet, ensuring cleanliness and purity. The meal is always served on a banana leaf, with each dish placed in a specific order to enhance the dining experience.
A Symphony of Flavors
As you sit down to enjoy the Onasadya, be prepared to embark on a culinary journey like no other. The feast typically consists of around 26 to 28 dishes, each carefully curated to tantalize your taste buds. From tangy avial to spicy sambar, the flavors of Kerala come alive on your plate.
Key Components of Onasadya
Let's take a closer look at some of the must-have dishes that make up the Onasadya:
- Avial: A delicious medley of vegetables cooked in a coconut and yogurt based gravy.
- Sambar: A tangy lentil stew with vegetables and a blend of spices.
- Parippu Curry: A creamy dal preparation that is rich in flavor and aroma.
- Payasam: A sweet dessert made with rice, milk, and jaggery, garnished with nuts and raisins.
The Joy of Sharing
One of the most beautiful aspects of Onasadya is the spirit of sharing and togetherness that accompanies the feast. It is a time when friends and family come together to enjoy a hearty meal and create lasting memories. The act of serving and eating from a common banana leaf symbolizes unity and love.
The Cultural Performances of Onam
The festival features traditional art forms, music, dance, dramas, and cultural programs, with the Kerala Tourism Department organizing larger events in major cities.
During the festival, Kerala comes alive with a variety of cultural performances that showcase the state's rich heritage and traditions. From vibrant dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam to enchanting music performances and colourful processions, Onam offers a truly immersive experience into the culture of Kerala.
Kathakali: The Classical Dance Drama
One of the most iconic cultural performances of Kerala is Kathakali, a classical dance form that combines intricate footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions to tell stories from Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The elaborate costumes, heavy makeup, and dramatic movements of the dancers make Kathakali a mesmerizing sight to behold.
Mohiniyattam: The Dance of the Enchantress
Another popular dance form of Kerala is Mohiniyattam, which is known for its graceful movements and lyrical storytelling. Often performed by women, Mohiniyattam is a mesmerizing blend of expressions, gestures, and music that captivates the audience and transports them to a world of enchantment.
Traditional Music Performances
In addition to dance, Onam also features traditional music performances that showcase the talents of local musicians and singers. From soulful renditions of classical Carnatic music to lively folk songs and percussion ensembles, the music of Onam adds a festive and celebratory atmosphere to the festival.
Colourful Processions and Parades
One of the most exciting aspects of Onam is the colourful processions and parades that take place throughout the festival. People dress up in traditional attire, decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli, and participate in grand parades that feature elephants, musicians, dancers, and elaborately decorated floats.
Snake Boat Races (Vallam Kali):
Enthusiastic snake boat races, such as the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race, are a major attraction during Onam.
What are Snake Boat Races
Snake Boat Races, known as Vallam Kali in the local language, are a centuries-old tradition in Kerala that celebrates the spirit of unity, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These races involve long and narrow traditional boats, each manned by a team of rowers moving in perfect harmony to the rhythm of the boatman's drum beats.
The History and Significance of Vallam Kali
Dating back to more than 400 years, Snake Boat Races have a deep-rooted cultural significance in Kerala. Originally, these races were organized by local kings and chieftains to showcase their naval prowess and military strength. Over the years, the races evolved into a competitive sport that brings communities together in a spirit of friendly competition.
The Thrill of the Race Day
On the day of the race, spectators gather along the banks of the backwaters to cheer for their favorite teams. The atmosphere is electrifying, with traditional music, dance performances, and colorful decorations adding to the festive vibe. As the boats glide gracefully through the water, the rowers put all their strength and skills to emerge victorious.
The Teamwork and Coordination
One of the most fascinating aspects of Snake Boat Races is the impeccable teamwork and coordination displayed by the rowers. Each team consists of around a hundred rowers who paddle in perfect unison, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for the onlookers. The boatman's commands guide the rowers, while the rhythmic drum beats keep them in sync.
The Spirit of Unity and Tradition
Beyond the thrill of the race itself, Vallam Kali embodies the spirit of unity and tradition that is deeply ingrained in Kerala's social fabric. The races bring together people from different walks of life, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that transcends boundaries.
Planning Your Visit to a Snake Boat Race
If you're planning to witness a Snake Boat Race in Kerala, make sure to check the event schedule during the festival of Onam. You can immerse yourself in the festive ambiance, savor traditional delicacies, and witness the exhilarating races up close. Don't forget to capture the vibrant colors and excitement of Vallam Kali in your memories.
Communal Harmony:
What is the Significance of Communal Harmony during Onam?
During Onam, people of all faiths and backgrounds come together to celebrate the festival. This unity and togetherness symbolize the idea of communal harmony, where individuals set aside their differences and come together in peace and celebration. The spirit of Onam emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with one another, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
How is Communal Harmony Practiced during Onam?
One of the most beautiful traditions of Onam is the laying of floral carpets known as 'pookalam' in front of homes. People from the community come together to create elaborate and colorful designs using flower petals, symbolizing unity and collaboration. This act of beautifying the surroundings with floral decorations is a testament to the spirit of communal harmony that defines the festival.
Why is Communal Harmony Important during Onam?
Communal harmony plays a crucial role in fostering peace and mutual respect among people during Onam. By coming together to celebrate the festival, individuals build strong bonds with one another and learn to appreciate the diversity within their community. This sense of unity and acceptance helps to create a peaceful and harmonious society where everyone is respected and valued.
How Can We Uphold Communal Harmony Beyond Onam?
While Onam is a time when communal harmony is celebrated in all its glory, it is essential to practice these values throughout the year. By promoting inclusivity, understanding, and acceptance in our daily lives, we can continue to uphold the spirit of communal harmony that Onam embodies. Through acts of kindness, compassion, and empathy, we can build a more peaceful and harmonious society for future generations.
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Onam is not just a festival; it is a celebration of love, unity, and tradition, which unites people in a spirit of friendship and joy. The festive atmosphere, colorful decorations, delicious food, and cultural performances all make Onam a unique and unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.
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