Beauty of Onam: Celebrating Prosperity and New Beginnings

Onam is a bright and beautiful festival which marks the beginning of a new year in Kerala. It is celebrated for ten days and every day has its own importance. These days are - Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam and Thiruvonam respectively.  Every single day holds a different ceremony and cultural significance for the people but the most important days are the first and last. This festival gives emphasis on the cultural heritage, connectivity with nature and religious beliefs. People from various backgrounds come together and encourage cultural bonding and feasting. According to the legends, Onam is attributed to the arrival of Lord Mahabali, the king of daityas.     

What is the History of Onam?

Onam is an incredible commemoration of Lord Mahabali, who once ruled Kerala. Though he was a daitya king, he was generous towards every person in the kingdom. According to Hindu mythology, when lord mahabali defeated Indra, the lord of devas, all the devas went to lord Vishnu to seek refuge. Vishnu promised Indra that he would help restore his powers from Mahabali. Vishnu incarnated himself as a dwarf priest called Vamana, who sent Mahabali to Patal lok. Vishnu granted Mahabali’s only wish to visit his kingdom once in a year after looking at Mahabali’s love towards his subjects. That is why people celebrate the home-coming of their king Mahabali in the form of Onam.    

How to celebrate Onam?

This occasion is admired by all the malayales across the world, many activities are performed during this period like boat races, rangoli making, dance in various forms, feasting while wearing traditional outfits, etc. Both men and women equally participate in all the activities, men perform the Pulikali art whilst women draw floral patterns and designs called Pookkalam. In particular, offering sadhya feast and exchanging gifts with each other is a generous way to mark the occasion.

What is Onam Sadhya?

The onam sadhya is a grand feast of these festivities which is also a quintessential part of it. Basically, the onam sadhya consists of over two dozen vegetarian dishes and served on a banana plant leaf. Every person either attends one onam sadhya or makes one with seasonal vegetables like ash gourd, bottle gourd, yam and other. This indispensable part of onam sadhya includes dishes like, papad or popaddum, pickles, avail, olan, kaalan, dal topped with clarified butter, coconut chutney, banana chips, payasam, rasam, upperi, mango curry with rice and many more, these are some of the most commonly eaten dishes on onam.

Cultural Significance of Onam

This festival connects people with their culture and traditions followed by their ancestors. Every person welcomes each other for a feast and celebrations, this encourages their mutual bond and societal gatherings. During onam many parades are held showcasing the Kerala culture with floats and tableaux. People pray, do shopping and spend their time with friends and family. This festival is a great way to connect the masses with their loved ones and build social harmony.

This official festival of Kerala state is an umbrella of cultural events, mutual respect, shared traditions and a form of religious integration.