Exploring the Vibrant Onam Celebrations: Harvesting Joy and Tradition
Onam is a very popular ten-day festival which is predominantly celebrated in Kerala. It is also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, which is a celebration in the form of a harvest festival that rejoices in the return of King Mahabali/Maveli to his beloved state. It lasts for ten days and they have specific names.
The first day is called Atham, followed by Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and Thiruvonam. This year, Onam will begin on August 20 and the last day will fall on August 31.
Significance:
King Mahabali, although a demon king, was the greatest king of Kerala and he led the state to prosperity. He was tricked by Lord Vishnu to give him whatever land he had but he also granted him a boon that he could visit his land once every year. Onam celebrates the return of the king.
Each day of the festival holds a special significance.
Day 1 — Atham:
Atham marks the beginning of the celebrations. This is the day when people visit temples in the morning and start building layers of Pookalam. The first layer is called Athapoo.
Day 2 — Chithira:
People visit temples and add two more layers to the Pookalam made with orange and yellow petals.
Day 3 — Chodhi:
People buy new clothes and jewelry to give as gifts on this day. A new layer is added to the Pookalam.
Day 4 — Vishakam:
The preparations for Onasadya begin on this day. A variety of dishes are cooked with the first crops of the harvest.
Day 5 — Anizham:
The popular boat race is held on this day.
Day 6 — Thriketa:
On the sixth day of the festival, families visit their ancestral houses to ask for blessings.
Day 7 — Moolam:
Pulikali and Kaikottukali, which are traditional folk dances are performed all over the state.
Day 8 — Pooradam:
Statues of Mahabali and Vamana are placed in the center of the Pookalam which has grown larger with each passing day, to perform the Pooradam ritual.
Day 9 — Uthradam:
This day is considered as the First Onam. People buy fresh fruits and vegetables and a feast is prepared.
Day 10 — Thiruvonam:
This day is considered to be the most auspicious day. People apply the batter of rice and flour at the entrance of their homes to welcome King Mahabali. Donations are also made to the poor and needy.
Rituals and Celebrations:
Women make different patterns on the ground using flowers and lamps to invite King Mahabali to their house. ‘Onakkodi’, which are basically new clothes are gifted to people and everyone wears them on this special occasion.
During Onam, the streets come alive with vivid colours and elaborate decorations courtesy to the artistic tradition of Pookalam. Families and communities make complex rangoli-like designs on the ground using a stunning selection of flowers. The Pookalam grows larger by the day, reflecting a visual journey of creativity and devotion. This practise not only demonstrates the people’s aesthetic sensibility, but it also represents King Mahabali’s welcome.
The ‘onam sadya’ is a grand feast prepared for this auspicious festival. The food is served on banana leaves and includes 13 different dishes. Every dish, from the acidic avial to the crunchy banana chips, exemplifies the state’s rich culinary legacy. The Sadya is a uniting experience in which people from all walks of life gather to share a delicious food, promoting a sense of community. A characteristic sweet dish called ‘payasam’ (generally made of rice, milk, sugar, and coconut) is a must during Onam.
Boat races are also an important part of the festival. The traditional Kathakali dance, along with elephants decorated with ornaments can be seen all over the state. It is a time of bonding for the people and everyone comes together to celebrate the festival.
Onam is more than a festival; it’s an emotional journey through time, bridging generational divides and cultivating a sense of togetherness. It’s a moment when the past and present collide, allowing us to relive Kerala’s rich traditions. As the echoes of laughter and the aroma of flowers fill the air, Onam reminds us that there is enormous satisfaction in embracing our cultural heritage and enjoying the spirit of unity in the midst of the hurry and bustle of modern life.
