Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of
Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all
over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the
festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit
Kerala at the time of Onam.
Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first
month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of
August-September according to Gregorian Calendar.
Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and
tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Popularity and presentation of
rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival
of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic
games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival
called Onam.
Onam Celebrations
Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit
during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the
grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in
the best possible manner.
The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called
Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to
13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a
mat laid on the floor to have the meal.
Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race,
held on the river Pampa. It is a colourful sight to watch the decorated boat
oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by
spectators.
There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called
Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played
with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and
Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed
flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King
Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by
women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the
zest of celebrations.
Government of India has taken due notice of this vibrant and colorful
festival. It promotes Onam internationally in a big way and celebrates 'Tourist
Week' for Kerala during Onam celebrations. Thousands of domestic and foreign
tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam.
The Legend:
Story goes that during the
reign of mighty asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Everybody
in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his
subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic.
This weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to
his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity. However,
for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could
annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.
It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year.
People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress
upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.
Pookalam:
Right from day one of the
festival, called Atham colours begin to emanate from this ebullient festival.
Making of Pookalam, the exquisite flower mat starts from this very day and
continues till Thiruvonam when the Aththa Poo reaches an overwhelming size and
most elegant design.
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| POOKOLAM DESIGN-1 |
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| POOKOLAM DESIGN-2 |
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| POOKOLAM DESIGN-3 |
COURTESY: onamfestival.org
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