🎋Onam - ओणम

These days special cleaning of the entire house is done. After this people decorate the whole house with flowers. The program of decorating the houses with flowers lasts for a full 10 days. People also make Rangoli with flowers on their doors.

A traditional feast ceremony is organized during Onam festival. Along with this, people also install the idol of King Mahabali in their homes during this time because people believe that during the festival of Onam, King Bali comes back to earth from Hades to meet his subjects. This idol of King Bali is installed in the middle of Poolakam along with the idol of Vamana avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu.

The heart of Onam's celebrations revolves around the legend of King Mahabali, a benevolent and just ruler who once governed Kerala. According to folklore, Mahabali’s reign was marked by prosperity, happiness and equality. He was loved by his subjects, and his kingdom was so perfect that even the gods became envious.

To curb Mahabali’s growing influence, Bhagwan Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, a dwarf Brahmin, visited the king and asked for three paces of land. The kind-hearted king granted the wish, and Vamana grew to a cosmic size, covering the earth and the heavens in two steps. For the third step, Mahabali offered his own head, thus keeping his promise.

Pleased with Mahabali’s devotion and sacrifice, Vishnu granted him the boon to visit his people once a year. Onam marks this annual homecoming of King Mahabali.

Onam festivities span ten days, each with its unique rituals and significance:

1) Atham : The first day of Onam, marked by the creation of the Pookalam (floral rangoli). The Pookalam starts small and grows larger with each passing day, symbolising the gradual preparation to welcome King Mahabali.

2) Chithira : On the second day, additional flowers are added to the Pookalam. Families begin cleaning their homes in preparation for the festival.

3) Chodhi : New clothes, known as Onakkodi, are purchased and given to family members. The Pookalam continues to grow in size and intricacy.

4) Vishakam : One of the most auspicious days, when preparations for the grand Onam feast, Onasadya, begin in full swing. Markets bustle with people buying ingredients.

5) Anizham : The day is marked by Vallamkali (snake boat races), one of Onam’s most iconic events. These boat races are a sight to behold, with teams rowing in perfect unison to traditional boat songs.

6) Thriketta : Families get together to offer prayers and make offerings at temples. The Pookalam continues to expand.

7) Moolam : Traditional art forms like Pulikali (tiger dance) and Kaikottikali (clap dance) are performed, adding to the festive spirit.

8) Pooradam : Statues of King Mahabali and Vamana are placed in the centre of the Pookalam, symbolising the nearing arrival of the beloved king.

9) Uthradam : Known as the eve of Onam, Uthradam is a day of hectic preparations. People buy fresh produce and finalise arrangements for the grand feast.

10) Thiruvonam : The most important day of the festival. Homes are cleaned, and the grand Onam Sadya feast is prepared. The Pookalam is completed, and families gather to enjoy the feast, offer prayers, and partake in various cultural activities.

The highlight of Onam is the Onasadya, a traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. This elaborate meal consists of a variety of dishes, each adding to the rich culinary heritage of Kerala. The feast typically includes rice, sambar, avial (a mixed vegetable curry), thoran (a dry vegetable dish), olan (a dish made with ash gourd and coconut milk), and a variety of pickles and chutneys. The meal ends with Payasam, a sweet dish made from milk, rice, or lentils.

Onam is a festival that beautifully displays the spirituality of Kerala. While Onam is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, it is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by people of all religions and communities in Kerala. The festival’s message of unity, equality, and shared prosperity resonates with everyone, making it a truly inclusive celebration.