The 10-day grand festival of Onam festival started on Friday (6 September 2024) with a grand ‘Athachamayam’ parade in Tripunithura, just 10 kms from Kochi, the cultural capital of Kerala. From now on, for the next 10 days, there will be a buzz of Sanatan culture everywhere in Kerala. Basically, the festival of Onam is associated with new crops, but culturally and mythologically, Onam has special significance. OpIndia is making you aware of every aspect of Onam in its Discovery of India.
Onam is the most prominent and grand festival of the state of Kerala in South India, which symbolises the cultural heritage and religious traditions of the state. It is celebrated in the Chingam month (first month of the calendar) of the Malayalam calendar, which falls during August-September. The importance of Onam is not only religious, but it also reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The festival is associated with the legend of King Mahabali (also known as Raja Bali), who is remembered even today for his greatness and piety.
Mythology of Onam
The basis of celebrating Onam festival is the legend of King Mahabali. His reign is remembered as the golden age, when all people were equal and the country had an abundance of food, wealth and peace. No one in the kingdom was hungry or poor. King Mahabali’s greatness worried the Gods, as he was challenging their position. Therefore, Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar and asked for alms from King Mahabali in the form of a Brahmin boy. He asked for a donation of three steps of land from the king, which the king happily accepted.
In the Vamana avatar, Lord Vishnu measured the earth and the sky in two steps with his divine power and for the third step the King Mahabali offered himself. Seeing his devotion and sacrifice, Lord Vishnu gave him a boon that he could come back to meet his subjects once a year. This day is celebrated as Onam.
Onam festival begins with Athachamayam
Onam begins with Athachamayam, a grand parade held in Tripunithura. The parade showcases various folk arts of Kerala, including traditional dances such as Kathakali, Theyyam, Pulikali, and Kolkali. The procession welcomes the symbolic return of King Mahabali and marks the beginning of the ten-day celebration of Onam. During Athachamayam, people from all communities come together to celebrate the festival, making it a symbol of social unity and harmony.
10 days grand celebration of Onam
Each of the 10 days of Onam has its own special significance. During these days, houses are decorated with floral rangolis (Pookalam), cultural programs are held, and traditional games are played. Each day is associated with a specific activity, which makes Onam even more special.
Atham: This is the first day of Onam, which begins with the Athachamayam parade. From this day onwards, the “Pookalam” (flower decorations) in the houses begin.
Chithira: On the second day, the Pookalam decorations are further enhanced. Houses are also cleaned on this day.
Choddhi: On this day, new clothes and jewellery are bought. Preparations for Onam gain momentum on this day.
Anizham: This day is important for shopping in the markets and preparations for the Onasadya (special feast).
Vishakam: On this day, boat races (Vallam Kali) are organised, in which traditional boats of Kerala race.
Thrikkata: On this day people give gifts to their relatives and loved ones and send Onam wishes.
Moolam: On this day pujas and religious rituals are conducted in various temples. Cultural programs also begin.
Pooram: On this day the festive preparations are at their peak. Various cultural and religious activities continue.
Uthradam: It is called the ‘Little Onam’ of Onam. On this day people decorate their houses and prepare for Onasadhya.
Thiruvonam: This is the main day of Onam. On this day family members sit together and enjoy Onasadhya to welcome the return of King Mahabali. This feast consists of more than 26 dishes served on banana leaves, such as Aviyal, Sambar, Payasam, and other delicious dishes served on banana leaves. Pookkalam is given the most beautiful look on this day.
Cultural and Social Significance of Onam
The most prominent attraction of Onam is Onasadya, a traditional feast. More than 26 types of dishes are served in this feast. Onasadya is served on a banana leaf and includes delicious dishes like rice, sambar, avial, thoran, olan, kichadi, payasam. Family members eat this feast sitting together, which symbolizes mutual love and harmony.
Onam also has immense cultural significance. This festival keeps the cultural heritage and traditions of Kerala alive. Many cultural programs are organised during this time, including Kathakali dance, Pulikali (tiger dance), Vallam Kali (boat race), and other traditional dances. Pulikali is especially famous, in which people dress up as tigers and dance. This dance is organised in different parts of Kerala on the occasion of Onam.
Onam is not only a religious festival but it is also a celebration of Kerala’s cultural heritage. The festival brings together all sections of society, irrespective of caste or religion. The cultural programs held on the occasion of Onam include traditional dances such as Kathakali, Pulikali, and Theyyam. These art forms are important means of preserving Kerala’s cultural heritage and transmitting it to the next generation.
The social impact of Onam is also important, as this festival symbolises social harmony, equality and brotherhood. During this time, people visit each other’s house, give gifts, and take part in feasts. This festival spreads the message of mutual love and goodwill in the society.
Onam is also very important from the religious point of view. During this time, Lord Vishnu and King Mahabali are worshiped. It is believed that on the day of Onam, King Mahabali comes to meet his subjects.
Historical Background of Onam
The history of Onam is linked to ancient times. It is believed that the celebration of this festival has been taking place since the time of the Maharajas of Travancore and Kochi. Earlier, this festival was limited to the royal families only, but gradually it became important for every section of the Kerala society. This festival is also associated with the prosperity and agricultural production of the state, as it symbolises the harvest season.
Onam is not just a festival, but it is a symbol of cultural, social and religious unity of Kerala. During this great festival, the people of Kerala cherish their traditional values, and transmit them to the next generation. This festival gives the message of social harmony, equality, and brotherhood. Every corner of Kerala becomes colorful and festive during the 10 days of Onam.
