You all must have heard of Onam if you have a Mallu or Keralite friend or colleague. India’s southern state Kerala, celebrates an annual cultural festival named Onam. It is known as Kerala’s harvest festival or the festival of rain flowers. It is a ten-day celebration that is enthusiastically observed throughout Kerala. But do you really know how it is celebrated in Kerala? No Worries, I will help you know this sweet festival of Kerala a little better.
This Is How Onam Is Celebrated In Kerala
The 10-day Onam celebration starts on Atham and ends on Thiruvonam. It is celebrated during the Chingam month of the Malayalam Solar Calendar. It marks the appearance of the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and also the homecoming of King Mahabali. As per folklore, King Mahabali used to rule Kerala in ancient times and was adored by the people in the region.
During the festivities, people in Kerala take early morning baths, deep clean their homes, decorate them with flowers, make Pookalam, and enjoy Onam Sadhya. Pookalam are the floral decorations or flower beds that are prepared outside the doors. Onam Sadhya is a gastronomic feast that usually has 26 dishes and is prepared with the help of all family members and traditionally eaten with hands.
Puli Kali and Kathakali performances, and snake boat races are some of the major highlights of this festival! Without these, the festival is never complete. The snake boat races are organised in lakes like Punnamada Lake and Vembanad Lake every year during Onam. The expression of happiness is not only limited to Kathakali, there are beautiful folk art shows named Puli Kali. Literally meaning ‘the tiger dance,’ this recreational folk art sees trained artists, dressed as tigers, entertain people on the occasion of Onam.
Onam – The Homecoming Of King Mahabali
Every festival in India has a beautiful story behind its existence. Onam too has one. King Mahabali, an Asura ruler who ruled Kerala in ancient times, was adored by the populace because he was incredibly wise, watchful, and good to his subjects. The rule of King Mahabali is said to have brought a golden time for Kerala.
It is said that King Mahabali’s generosity had earned him a boon from Lord Vishnu. He asked Lord Vishnu to allow him to revisit his empire and the people here every year as he was very attached. Lord Vishnu blessed Mahabali with the boon he asked for and that he will forever be loved by the people of Kerala for eternity.
During the Onam celebration, people in Kerala hold prayers to express their gratitude to the land for a good harvest and pray to Lord Vamana and King Mahabali for a prosperous and healthy life.
Family members and loved ones exchange ‘onakkodi’, which basically means new clothes and gifts. People also hang swings, called ‘oonjal’, on high trees in their homes and decorate it with flowers as part of Onam celebrations.
Also Read: 6 Historical Facts To Know About Onam Sadya
We hope we were able to give you a glimpse of what the Onam celebration in Kerala looks like!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva & Wikimedia
This story was first published in September 2022 and has been updated.
With inputs from Tashika Tyagi.