Onam is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal by people of all religions and communities in Kerala. The festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which falls in August or September according to the Gregorian calendar.
Onam Festival Date 2023 - Mon, Aug 28, 2023 - Thu, Aug 31, 2023(Thriruvonam)
The legend behind Onam
The legend behind Onam goes back to ancient times when the demon king Mahabali ruled Kerala. He was a just and kind king who was loved by his subjects. His reign was considered to be a golden period in the history of Kerala. The gods in heaven, led by Lord Vishnu, grew jealous of Mahabali's popularity and decided to put an end to his rule. They approached Lord Vishnu, who agreed to help them. Lord Vishnu appeared before Mahabali in the form of a dwarf Brahmin and asked him for three steps of land as a donation.Mahabali, being a generous king, agreed to the request. However, as soon as he agreed, the Brahmin grew in size and covered the entire earth in one step and the entire sky in the second step. For the third step, there was no place left, and Mahabali offered his head. Lord Vishnu, impressed by Mahabali's devotion and sacrifice, granted him a boon that he would be allowed to visit his people once every year.
The ten-day long Onam festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali's annual visit to Kerala. The festival is a time for feasting, dancing, and merrymaking.
Preparations for Onam
Preparations for Onam begin months in advance. People start cleaning their homes and decorating them with flowers and rangolis. They buy new clothes and prepare special dishes for the festival.The most important aspect of Onam is the Onam Sadya, a grand feast consisting of over 20 dishes served on a banana leaf. The feast includes various vegetarian dishes such as avial, olan, sambar, and rasam, along with rice and different types of payasam (sweet dish).
Onam celebrations
Onam is celebrated for ten days, with each day having its significance and customs. The tenth day, Thiruvonam, is the main day of the festival. On this day, people wake up early and take a bath, wear new clothes, and make final preparations for the Onam Sadya. The feast is served on a banana leaf and includes a variety of dishes, such as rice, sambar, avial, thoran, papadam, and various types of payasam. People offer prayers to King Mahabali and decorate their houses with flowers and lights. Onam is also a time for families to get together, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional games and activities. The day ends with a spectacular display of fireworks and cultural programs.
Onam is a festival that brings people together and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It is a time when people forget their differences and come together to celebrate the spirit of unity, love, and brotherhood. The festival has evolved over the years but has managed to retain its traditional essence. The colors, lights, and festivities of Onam make it one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals in India.