Table Of Contents:
- The Origins of Onam: A Tale of King Mahabali and Vamana
- The 10 Days of Onam Celebrations
- What Do They Eat During Onam? The Grand Onam Sadya
- Which God is Worshipped During Onam?
- Onam Beyond Kerala: A Pan-Indian Celebration
Onam is Kerala’s biggest festival. It takes place during harvest season and unites people in gratitude and celebration of happiness. Onam will take place from September 6 to September 15, 2024. There’s more to the festival than just enjoying delicious food and wonderful company. Additionally, it pays tribute to King Mahabali, a revered king from long past. Many think he returns for a visitation around Onam. The ten-day celebration features numerous unique customs. The large Onam feast known as Sadya is one of the greatest aspects. It is also during this period when people worship to various gods. Though Onam originated in Kerala, the celebrations have spread throughout India.
The Origins of Onam: A Tale of King Mahabali and Vamana
The Legend Behind the Festival
The origin of Onam’s story is an ancient legend about King Mahabali. He governed Kerala for a long time and was a good king. Everyone was treated fairly and with happiness during his reign. The Gods were envious of Mahabali’s popularity among the populace. They were concerned about his growing power. Lord Vishnu made the decision to take action as a result.
He arrived on Earth as a little Brahmin named Vamana. Vamana requested a gift from Mahabali. Vamana pleaded for simply three steps of land, and the king granted yes. However, Vamana later grew to such a size that he could cover the entire planet in three paces! Mahabali went to the underworld as a result. However, Mahabali was permitted to visit his subjects once a year because he was a good monarch. This yearly visit is celebrated as Onam.
Onam’s Cultural Significance in Kerala
There is more to Onam than merely a harvest festival. It showcases the best aspects of Kerala’s abundant crops and culture. No matter what caste you belong to or your beliefs are, everyone joins together throughout Onam. Families get together to celebrate holidays, share meals, and engage in enjoyable fun cultural celebrations. During Onam, we are reminded of the virtues that King Mahabali upheld during his reign, such as treating all people equally and ensuring harmonious relationships. This is a moment when individuals reflect on these crucial principles.
The 10 Days of Onam Celebrations
Ten days make up the Onam festival, each of which is marked by special traditions and celebrations that raise the bar for Thiruvonam, the most significant day. These are the days of Onam:
Day 1 – Atham
Day 2 – Chithira
Day 3 – Chodhi
Day 3 – Chodhi
Day 4 – Vishakam
Day 5 – Anizham
Day 6 – Triketta
Day 7 – Moolam
Day 8 – Pooradam
Day 9 – Uthradam
Day 10 – Thiruvonam
H3 Day 1 – Atham
Atham is the first day of Onam. Families start creating lovely floral arrangements in front of their homes on this day. We name these patterns Pookalam. The fun is about to begin as you make a Pookalam, which signifies the arrival of King Mahabali. Families enlarge and beautify their Pookalam every day by adding additional flowers to it. This demonstrates how imaginative individuals can be and how everyone embraces the festive mood. You can observe the Pookalams become increasingly affluent throughout the community as the days pass.
Day 2 – Chithira
The second day of Onam is called Chithira. Families continue to adorn their Pookalam with flowers on this day, making it even more exquisite. Additionally, this is the season when people go shopping for new clothes and home décor. Chithira is unique since it marks the start of the exciting cultural events. You may watch the traditional Malayali dances, such as Kathakali, Mohiniattam, etc, and hear traditional music playing. Celebrations are held in schools and offices and all of this makes everyone feel excited about the festival.
Day 3 – Chodhi to Day 9 – Uthradam
From Chodhi to Uthradam, the days are occupied with mounting anticipation and planning. Families go shopping , a tradition of shopping for new clothes and jewellery also known as Onakkodi. People mostly traditional clothing like Mundus and Kasavu saris and are also used as gifts.
The Pookalam, or flower carpet, grows larger and more exquisite by the day. Families put flowers on top of one another every day to create elaborate designs.
People begin preparing for the large Onasadya feast around Vishakam. They gather items to be served on banana leaves along with a variety of vegetarian cuisines.
The exciting Vallamkali (snake boat race) on the Pampa River is observed on Anizham. Many people from around the world gather to see this thrilling occasion.
Moolam and Triketta are a time for numerous community gatherings and cultural performances.
‘Onathappan’ clay statues are crafted and embellished with flowers during Pooradam. This indicates that King Mahabali’s arrival is approaching.
At last, Uthradam shows up. The primary Onam celebration begins on this day. It is thought that on this day, King Mahabali begins his journey to pay his subjects a visit. Families complete the last-minute preparations for the large feast and clean their homes.
Day 10 – Thiruvonam
The festival’s central day, Thiruvonam, is marked by enthusiastic celebrations. Families prepare for the Onam Sadya, a lavish feast eaten on banana leaves, by dressing in new attire and engaging in rituals. On this day, it is said, King Mahabali visits every home and bestows prosperity and happiness upon families. Community get-togethers, singing, and dancing are observed throughout the day, which ends with a joyful celebration of thankfulness and unity.
What Do They Eat During Onam? The Grand Onam Sadya
Traditional Dishes
The Onam Sadya, an extravagant vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf that usually consists of about 26 dishes, is the main attraction during Onam. The diverse flavours and textures of the sadya highlight Kerala’s abundant agricultural produce. Among traditional dishes are the following:
- Sambar: A tamarind-flavored vegetable stew made with lentils.
- Avial: A dish made with mixed vegetables, yoghurt, and coconut.
- Parippu: A curry made with moong dal that tastes great with ghee and pappadam.
- Payasam: A rice, milk, and sugar-based sweet dish that is frequently flavoured with cardamom and topped with almonds.
- Pappadam: Crunchy lentil wafers that give food a crunch.
- Banana Chips: Fried slices of banana, providing a contrast to the other dishes. Banana chunks covered in jaggery, called sharkaravaratti, are also served.
Even though Onam Sadya is traditionally a vegetarian meal, people do occasionally eat non-vegetarian food depending on their preferences.
Did you know that there is a way of serving an Onasadya? The leaf’s orientation, the food that is served first, the sequence in which each item is served, and a lot more.
In addition to being a feast, the Onam Sadya celebrates Kerala’s rich culinary history and unites families around the love of food and company.
Which God is Worshipped During Onam?
King Mahabali: The Benevolent Ruler
King Mahabali is revered during Onam as the embodiment of prosperity and equality. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, generosity, and the well-being of all. The festival is a tribute to his legacy, emphasizing the values he upheld during his reign.
Vamana Avatar: Vishnu’s Role in the Onam Story
The role of Lord Vishnu as Vamana is also significant in the Onam celebrations. His act of humility in asking for just three paces of land reflects the importance of balance and moderation. The festival serves as a reminder of the divine intervention that restored harmony and justice in the kingdom.
Onam Beyond Kerala: A Pan-Indian Celebration
How Other States Celebrate Onam
While Onam is primarily celebrated in Kerala, its cultural significance has spread to other states in India, particularly among the Malayali diaspora. In states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, similar harvest festivals are celebrated, showcasing regional variations in customs and rituals. The essence of Onam, however, remains the same: a celebration of unity, gratitude, and the abundance of nature.
Onam in the Global Indian Diaspora
The global Indian diaspora also celebrates Onam, bringing the traditions and customs of Kerala to various parts of the world. Communities organize cultural events, feasts, and performances, allowing people to connect with their heritage and share the joy of Onam with others. This global celebration fosters a sense of belonging and pride among expatriates, reinforcing the values of unity and togetherness.
Read More: Janmashtami
The LifeGuru team is ready to help you through any issues or questions and is only a call away. We offer services for Horoscopes, Kundli Matching, Marriage Predictions, Numerology, Compatibility, and more with Accurate predictions. We also have Expert Relationship Astrologers who can help with any queries related to marriage or relationships. Our Team is always Happy to Assist You in any way possible. You may reach out to us here.
We are delighted to share the links to purchase authentic, superior-quality 5 Mukhi Rudrakshas at economical prices, promising a convenient shopping experience.
Premium Gold Plated Rudraksha Bracelet
Also, for more insights please visit LifeGuru’s Facebook page or LifeGuru’s Instagram page
