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Onam 2023: The celebration takes place during the harvest season in the Malayalam month of Chingam. Onam commemorates King Mahabali’s homecoming, who was famed for his generosity, knowledge, and commitment to his subjects.
Onam is a colorful and cheerful holiday celebrated with great zeal in Kerala, India’s southernmost state. Onam, also known as the “Festival of Harvest,” is a time of feasting, cultural festivals, and social bonding that draws people from all walks of life together. The 10-day festival is profoundly rooted in Kerala’s rich cultural legacy, and it is a much-anticipated yearly event for residents. Kerala men and women wear kasavu clothes and celebrate with artistically created floral designs (rangoli) and a huge sadya (feast).
This festival marks the start of the Malayalam year, known as Kolla Varsham. Onam also commemorates the mythical King Mahabali’s return home. While it lasts ten days, the major festival lasts only three days. Onam celebrations will begin on August 20 and will go until August 29 this year.
The narrative of King Mahabali’s return
According to traditional beliefs, Onam commemorates the return of King Mahabali, a kind and pious king of the “Sukrutha Yuga” golden age. King Mahabali was well-known for his generosity, knowledge, and commitment to his subjects. His reign was characterized by wealth and tranquility, and his subjects held him in high regard. Mahabali is claimed to have vanquished the gods and taken control of the three planets. This infuriated the gods, who begged Lord Vishnu to assist them in their war against the demon ruler.
Lord Vishnu was a follower of Mahabali, and the deity found it difficult to pick sides in the conflict. Vishnu met Mahabali in his Vamana (poor Brahmin) incarnation and persuaded the monarch to grant his desire. Vamana requested ownership rights to a plot of land measuring “three paces”. Mahabali granted this request.
Mahabali was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, and the god found it difficult to pick sides in the conflict. Vishnu, in his Vamana (poor Brahmin) incarnation, visited Mahabali and persuaded the monarch to grant his desire. Vamana asked for the right to own “three paces” of land. Mahabali agreed to this wish.
In only two steps, the Vamana avatar increased in size and encompassed all the monarch governed. Mahabali gave his head for the third step in order to uphold his pledge and honor.
Lord Vishnu, delighted by his benevolence, granted him permission to visit Earth once a year. Onam is the name for this welcoming home.
The Festival
Onam occurs during the harvest season in the Malayalam month of Chingam. The celebration lasts ten days, with each day having its own meaning and customs. The festivities are a spectacular show of cultural history, religious fervor, and a strong connection to nature.
The elaborate flower carpet known as “Pookkalam” is the most stunning aspect of Onam. People make these lovely creations directly on their doorsteps, using a variety of vivid flowers. The Pookkalam grows increasingly intricate by the day, culminating in a great design on Thiruvonam, the festival’s major day.
The extravagant feast known as “Sadya” is the pinnacle of Onam. On a joyful occasion, the traditional multi-course vegetarian supper is served on a banana leaf with around 25 dishes. The Sadya represents togetherness, as people from all walks of life gather together to enjoy the wonderful flavors of Kerala food. It promotes the value of sharing and community, and it brings families and friends closer together over the holiday season.
The 10 days of Onam
Onam is a 10-day harvest festival that begins with Atham and ends with Thiruvonam. Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, and Uthradom are the other eight festivals. These are the dates that these dignitaries will be honored. Atham is on August 20, Chithira is on August 21, Chodhi is on August 22, Vishakam is on August 23, Anizham is on August 24, Thriketa is on August 25, Moolam is on August 26, Pooradam is on August 27, Uthradam is on August 28, and Thiruvonam is on August 29.
