a note on ] ONAM [ Our festival...

Onam is the harvest festival in Kerala, It last for ten days starting from the Malayalam day ‘Atham’ up to ‘Thiruvonam’. People celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during these days

Mahabali- is a benevolent Asura (demon) King who performed the supreme sacrifice by offering himself to God. He was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous that even the Devas or Gods were jealous on his power. They sought the help of Vishnu who was worshiped by King Mahabali to curb his power. Lord Vishnu took his incarnation of a poor and dwarf Brahmin, called Vamana and came to the kingdom of Mahabali after his morning prayers when the King gave boons to the Brahmin. The Vamana asked for three paces of land and the king agreed to it. Soon the dwarf began to expand and with his two steps covered sky and the earth. King realised that the boy was no ordinary and asked Vamana to put his third step on his head. Lord Vishnu was pleased with his generosity. Since Mahabali was so attached to his kingdom and was very much loved by the people, he was allowed to return once a year and that is celebrated as Onam.

Onam Festival falls during the first Malayalam month ‘Chingam’ (Aug- Sep). This year it comes on 23rd of August. The most important things about Onam are the ‘Onakkodi’- the new dress worn on this day, intricately decorated ‘Pookkalam’ – a multicoloured flower carpet, and ‘Ona Sadhya’, an elaborate feast which consists 11- 13 dishes served in Banana leafs and eaten with hands.

Festivities begin as early as 4 am. People clean up their house, take early bath, wear new clothes and perform elaborate prayers to seek divine blessings. “Pookkalam” is made on the ground in the front of their home and young children are often entrusted with the task of gathering and laying out the flowers in elaborate patterns. Another remarkable feature of Onam is the ‘Kaikottikali’- a dance form with rhythmic clapping is performed. People also visit temples, family come together and share gifts during the ten days of carnival.

Onam is for all people of all class and creed. The secular character of Onam is peculiar to this land where unity had always coexisted with diversity, especially during festivals, when people come together to celebrate life's unlimited joys. The message that Onam imparts to mankind is resolve oneself to lead a new life of truth, piety, love, and humility...



WISH YOU A HAPPY ONAM TO EVERY KERALITES AND MA KOOTHARAS