Onam is an ancient festival in the state of Kerala in India. It is a harvest festival celebrated by all communities, predominantly Hindus of Kerala. It is also the official festival of Kerala. Onam festival celebrates the visit of Daitya King Mahabali to his kingdom and people. Because of the participation of different communities, it connects different cultures of people in Kerala. When people celebrate together, festivals help sweeten their social and cultural life.
Why do people celebrate the Onam festival?
According to famous legends, King Mahabali once ruled Kerala. His rule saw the golden era of Kerala. During his reign, the people of Kerala grew happy and prosperous. As a result, the people had high regard for King Mahabali. He was very generous, but on the other hand, he became egoistic. Seeing his rising popularity and power, Devtas conspired to end his rule. Devtas (gods of heaven) requested Bhagwan Vishnu to end this.
Bhagwan Vishnu then appeared as Vamana (Dwarf Brahmin) and asked for three feet of land from King Mahabali. King Mahabali, being generous, agreed to fulfill Vamana’s wish. In the first step, he measured the earth. In the second step, Vamana measured the entire universe. Having nowhere to put his third step, Vamana asked King Mahabali where he could place it. Then, Asura King Mahabali offered his head to Vamana. Vamana placed a third foot on Mahabali’s head, pushing him to Patala Lok (underworld).
However, witnessing Mahabali’s generosity to Bhagwan Vishnu granted him a boon. The boon was that he could visit his people and land once every year. Thus, to celebrate the homecoming of their king, the people of Kerala celebrate Onam every year.
How do people celebrate the Onam festival?
Onam Festival is a grand celebration of the harvest season and the rich culture of Kerala. It is a ten-day celebration that generally falls in August or September. People celebrate Onam by decorating their homes with Pookalam. Pookalam is a traditional colorful flower decoration laid on the floor. People also wear new clothes, visit temples and churches, and enjoy various games and activities. The highlight of Onam is the Sadya, a lavish vegetarian meal served on banana leaves with more than 20 dishes. Onam Festival showcases the diversity and unity of Keralites and their traditions.
Pookalam is a popular art form in Kerala. It is also a symbol of the state’s rich culture and heritage. The art form is a way to connect with nature, as Pookalam uses flowers. To create a Pookalam, artists first draw a basic outline of the pattern on the ground. Then, they fill it with flowers.
What is the significance of Onam Sadya?
Onam Sadya is a traditional vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf. The meal consists of various dishes, including fried snacks, curries, pickles, and sweets. The preparation for Onam Sadya begins much in advance, and the family comes together to help prepare the meal. Onam Sadya is a grand vegetarian feast symbolic of purity and abundance. The assortment of dishes varies, but it typically includes around 20 to 30 items in a single course.
List of traditional dishes in an Onam Sadya?
There are many traditional dishes prepared during Onam. The usual items in an Onam Sadya include:
- Kaaya Varuthathu (banana chips)
- Chena Varuthathu (yam chips)
- Sarkara Upperi (Jaggery-coated banana chips)
- Mango pickle
- Lime pickle
- Injipuli (tamarind & ginger chutney)
- Kichadi (Gourd in mildly spiced yogurt)
- Pachadi (Pineapple in yogurt)
- Olan (ash gourd with black beans in a coconut milk gravy)
- Stir-fried vegetables with grated coconut
- Theeyal (mixed vegetable gravy)
- Erissery (mashed beans and pumpkin with coconut gravy)
- Avial
- Puliserry (yogurt-based curry)
- Kootu curry (black chickpeas curry)
- Sambar
- Rasam
- Spicy buttermilk
- Bananas
- Papad
- Variety of rice
Onam Sadhya is a traditional Kerala meal served on a banana leaf. It consists of over 20 dishes, representing the abundance of the harvest season. The dishes are typically vegetarian and prepared with rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices. For Onam Sadya recipes, refer to this article: Onam Sadya Recipes.
How do people dress up during the Onam festival?
People dress in their finest traditional clothing to mark the Onam festival. Women typically wear a Kasavu saree, a white saree with a golden border. They also wear a Mundum Neriyathum, a two-piece outfit consisting of a Mundum (a plain white cotton cloth) and a Neriyathum (a saree with a golden border). Men typically wear a Mundum with a shirt or kurta. They may also wear a Veshti, which is a dhoti-like garment.
What are some traditional games played during the Onam festival?
Onam festival is a time of joy and celebration. The festivities last for ten days, and each day has its rituals. One of the most exciting aspects of the Onam festival is the games and sports. People of Kerala participate in these games irrespective of age and background. These festive activities reflect the spirit of Kerala. Some of the popular games played during the Onam festival are:
Vallamkali
It is a spectacular boat race held on the backwaters of Kerala. Hundreds of rowers participate in this event, which attracts thousands of spectators. Teams of oarsmen row their boats to the finish line.
The rowers decorate their boats with colorful flags and umbrellas. They also sing songs to boost their morale. Indeed, Vallamkali is a symbol of teamwork and unity among the people of Kerala.
Puli Kali
Puli Kali, a leopard dance, is a unique dance performed in Kerala. People dress up as tigers and hunters and dance to the drum beats. The performers wear bright-colored body paint, costumes, and masks to resemble tigers. They also mimic the movements and sounds of tigers, creating an energetic environment. Puli Kali expresses the fun and festive mood of the Onam festival.
Thiruvathirakali
Thiruvathirakali is a traditional dance form of Kerala that women perform to seek marital bliss and happiness. The dance involves graceful and rhythmic movements. Women perform this dance in a circular formation around a Nilavilakku, a traditional wick lamp. The dancers sing songs praising Bhagwan Shiva and Maa Parvati. Thiruvathirakali is a dance that showcases the beauty and elegance of the culture and women of Kerala.
Kuttiyum Kolum
Kuttiyum Kolum is a traditional game that mostly children play. It involves hitting a small stick with a long cane. Kutti, the small one, is placed on the ground over a small hole. The player then hits the Kutti with the long one, called Kolum, and tries to send it as far as possible. He then runs to the spot where the Kutti lands while the other players try to catch it and throw it back. The player scores points based on the distance covered by the Kutti. Kuttiyum Kolum tests the skill and agility of the players. It also provides them with fun and excitement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Onam celebrates the rich culture and heritage of Kerala. It is when people of all communities come together to enjoy the festivities. Also, Onam showcases the diversity and unity of Kerala, as well as the creativity and talent of its people. From the grand feast of Onam Sadya to the spectacular Vallamkali boat races, from the colorful Pookkalam floral carpets to the graceful dances of Thiruvathirakali, Onam is a festival that offers something for everyone. Onam reflects the joy and happiness of Kerala and invites everyone to join in the celebration.
