Onam the state festival of Kerala falls during the first month of Malayalam Calender Chingam (August-September). Celebrated in honor of King Mahabali, Onam the secular festical of Kerala is celebrated ever year irrespective of cast, creed and sex. All keralites across the globe remember to celebrate this day in traditional manner with much pomp and fervor. The festival lasts for 10 days from Atham to Thiruonam. The Onam week is considered as Tourist Week and thousands from various parts of the world visit the state to view the colorful and vibrant festival.
History of Onam
The festival of Onam is associated with an interesting legend. It is believed that an assura or demon King named Mahabali ruled Kerala long time ago. Mahabali’s time was the golden era of Kerala as equality prevailed and the entire people were happy in his kingdom. When the Gods felt jealous over the popularity of Mahabali, they sent Lord Vishu disguised as a poor Brahmin dwarf named Vamana to tra
p the King. Vamanan came to Mahabali’s palace in the morning and narrated the built-up story of his poverty ridden life. Mahabali who was sympathized with his sad story gave three boons to the dwarf. Vamanan utilized this opportunity and asked for three steps of land for him. With one step he covered the whole sky and with the second the whole of earth. For the third step Mahabali bowed his head and asked Vamana to put his third step on his head. Vamana suddenly did so and pushed down Mahabali into Patala, the underground. The people of Kerala believe that their favorite King visits once a year on Onam day to see his subjects.
Onam Celebrations
The most significant mark of Onam celebration is the floral carpet or Athapookalam. Floral carpet competitions are also held state wide among organizations, communities and educational institutions. The carpet made of various flowers of different colors is indeed a feast for the eyes. Thiruvathirakali is an art form performed in association with the onam festival. Ladies wear the traditional Kerala dress and perform the dance forming a circle. Thumbi thullal Vallamkali or boat race and Pulikali are the other art forms performed during this ten day long onam festival. Singing Onapaattu or Onam songs, flying kite and enjoying on swings made for the occasion are the other integral activities for Onam in Kerala. Onam sadhya or onam lunch, a vegetarian feast including all the traditional dishes of the state is the final part of Onam celebration. The family members sit on floor and the delicious Onam sadhya is served on banana leaf. In addition to this, the friends and relatives wish each other a Happy and Prosperous Onam and send Onam greeting cards to wish their dear and near who are away from the state.
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