Onam: The festival that celebrates prosperity and happiness

By Dr. Eugene D’Souza, Moodubelle
From Sources
Bellevision Media Network

23 August 2010: Every state and community in India has its own special festival which has religious, social and cultural significance. In the state of Kerala and among the Malayalee community living not only in India but all over the world the festival of Onam is the most significant festival that manifests prosperity and happiness. Onam festival has been celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam which falls between August-September. Onam is celebrated over four days. This year Onnam Onam or First Onam is on 22 August. Thiru Onam or Second Onam which is the most important day of Onam is celebrated on 23 August. Third Onam or Munnam Onam is on 24 August. Fourth Onam or Naalam Onam is on 25 August.

The festival Onam has mythological significance. It is related to the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Vaamana and King Mahabali. According to popular belief it was on this particular day in the month of Chingam that Lord Vishnu took his fifth avatar as Vaamana, appeared in the kingdom of King Mahabali and sent him to nether world. People believe that it is on the last day or Tiru Onam that the spirit of King Mahabali visits Kerala. Thus, the day is being considered as an occasion to celebrate with feast and festivities. By celebrating the festival of Onam on a grand scale, the devotees of Mahabali recall the golden era, that is, the era of prosperity and happiness witnessed during the reign of King Mahabali. In order to welcome their beloved ruler, people lay flower mats (Pookalam) in the front courtyard, prepare a grand meal (Onasadya), dance, play and make merry. All this is done to impress upon the King Mahabali that his people are prosperous and happy.

 

Historically the Onam celebrations started during the Sangam Period. Records of celebrations can be found from the time of Kulasekhara Perumala, the ruler of Kerala around 800 AD. At that time Onam celebrations continued for a month. Being the harvest time, Onam has been celebrated as the harvest festival as well in Kerala as normally monsoon arrives in Kerala earlier, thus harvest is also earlier. This is also the season for plentiful of vegetables, fruits and flowers which add to the joyous celebration of Onam with varieties of food dishes and floral carpets. The festivities on Thiru Onam day are celebrated by all Malayalees irrespective of religion, caste, creed and financial status.

Onam carnival continues for ten days, starting from the day of Atham and culminating on Thiru Onam. Atham and Thiru Onam are the most important days for Onam festivities. The day of Atham is decided by the position of stars. During these ten days children and women prepare the floral design called ona-Pookkalam in front of their houses to welcome King Mahabali. On the Thiru Onam day members of the family gather together, usually at the ancestral home.

The various food items of the traditional Onam feast meal known as Onasadya are served on plantain leaves. After the Onasadya, women and children engage in folk games, songs and dances. People wish each other happy Onam on this propitious day, by sending greetings, SMS and text messages. Onam is also time for the exciting snake boat races on the backwaters of Kerala and numerous competitions are being organized during the Onam festival.