Onam is a traditional harvest festival celebrated by Keralites in the state of Kerala and all over the world by the Malayali community. According to the Malayalam calendar, Onam marks the celebration date which is when the fields in the state of Kerala are ready for harvest. Onam is a 10 days celebration that starts on Atham nakshatram (also known as nakshatra) in the month of Chingam and ends on the 22 nakshatram Thiruvonam which gives the festival its name Onam.
LEGEND BEHIND ONAM
Onam has a story that is told for many generations at every household in Kerala. According to the myths, King Mahabali who is a staunch believer of Lord Vishnu is tested on this day many eras back. King Mahabali also known as Maveli, ruled a happy kingdom where people were treated without any difference in caste or creed. To test his staunch belief in Vishnu, the savior lord Vishnu disguises himself as a poor brahmin and visits King Mahabali seeking 3 pieces of land. The generous king agrees to this request and offers him 3 pieces of land. This Vamanan avatar of Vishnu takes two huge steps that cover the entire world of heaven and earth leaving King Mahabali to be sent to hell. King Mahabali who is known for binding on his words agrees to the lords for him to be sent back to hell. Astonished by King Mahabali’s behavior, Vishnu permits him to visit his people for one day every year where he can see them living happy and safe from anything bad. Such was his love for his people. The homecoming festival of King Mahabali is celebrated as Onam. One can visit the Thanumalayan Temple in Suchindram which is located in the Kanyakumari District of TamilNadu where people can visit Vamanamurthy and seek blessings.
ICONIC BOAT RACE
During Onam, people from all over the world visit the god’s own country to witness the grand boat race on the serene backwaters. This race is also known as ‘Vallam Kali’ in Malayalam and the sport has a huge fan following among locals of the state. The winners of this canoe boat race are awarded the Nehru trophy which is considered to be a great honor. The race boats are usually 90–100 feet long and their owners spend a lot on maintaining the Vallam (boat). Some participants have a record of winning and participating in the Vallam Kali for many generations. During Onam, the city of Azhapuzha also known as the (Venice of the East) attracts crowds from all corners.
OTHER ART AND CULTURAL FESTIVITIES
Onam is also a festival of a variety of art and cultural festivals other than just a harvest festival. The visit of the mythological Hindu king Mahabali is celebrated by various dance forms such as Onam Kali, Thumbi Thullal, Onavillu, and Onapottan. Post all the festivities which begin in the morning on Onam, the ultimate Onam Sadhya is considered as the best finish of this festival.
THE ULTIMATE ONAM SADHYA
Food is a part of any festivities and Onam Sadhya is the celebration of food that pleases the soul. According to the Hindu tradition where houses are cleaned and decorated for the visit of King Mahabali. To celebrate the homecoming festivities of King Mahabali, a grand meal is prepared which starts with at least 11 different curries. Mind-Blowing right! Yes, a complete Onam Sadhya is served on a plantain leaf. Curries are served from the left starting from salt serving acidic to alkaline dishes. Banana, alt, acharu, upperri, thoran, olan, kichadi, pachadi, matta ari (rice), paruppu, sambhar, curd, and a varied variety of heart pleasing payasams. The dishes start from items that are too consumed to be in a small quantity to items that you can fill your stomach with. The finale of this sadhya ends with palada pradhaman which is a sweet custard that fills your heart with love.
In the end, people do all this to appreciate the dedication and sacrifice done by King Mahabali and try to have a happy day for him to see when he visits the streets of his people. Onam Ashamsakal! Being an auspicious festival, people often buy vehicles or deal in properties or simply buy Gold. For those who don’t want to spend a fortune and still want to start something new, can visit www.credr.com or visit their nearest CredR showroom and book their dream bike where we have some exciting offers.
On this note, we’d like to wish all our readers a very Happy & prosperous Onam.
