Onam in India

What is Onam?

Onam is the most famous celebration that takes place throughout Kerala, India. It is a major annual harvest festival for Keralites. The festival is a ten-day event, sometimes called the festival of rain flowers, celebrating the legendary king Mahabali’s homecoming. It also commemorates the dwarf avatar of Lord Vishnu.

The festival originated from ancient origins and later got linked with Hindu legends. The festival's ten days open a new world of exquisite fragrances, exotic tastes, and magnificent colorful designs and decorations. A nine-course vegetarian meal (Onasadya) with extraordinary spices and flavors is served on the day. Various traditions take place throughout the days— exotic Kaikottikali dance, Vallam Kali (Snake boat race), Pulikali (tiger dances), decorated Pookalam. 

Onam - All Quick Overview

• Category: Religious
• Where It’s Marked: India
• Why It’s Marked: The day commemorates King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu’s Vanam avatar.

History Of Onam

The festival of delicious food and vibrant colors comes along with ancient Onam history. As literature and epigraphical evidence suggests, it has a long religious story in Kerala and other parts of South India. Moreover, it is also celebrated due to mythological and agricultural reasons.

Onam falls in the month of Chingam, between August and September. It is a large harvest festival, welcoming the kind-hearted demon King Mahabali. During the festival, people believed that King Mahabali had returned to Kerala, which was his kingdom.

According to Vaishnava mythology, King Mahabali was a demon but a kind-hearted and generous one. He was from the Asura tribe, who defeated the Hindu Gods and started ruling all three worlds. Soon, he became popular among his people for his extraordinary generosity and good heart. This increasing popularity and love for a demon made the Gods jealous, asking Lord Vishnu to step in and help them.

Later, Lord Vishnu changed to Brahmin dwarf Vamana, his fifth avatar, and paid a visit to the demon King Mahabali. But as Mahabali was a devotee and worshipper of Lord Vishnu, he did not start a battle.

When asked what Vanama wanted, he only responded, “three pieces of land.” Mahabali granted his wish, and Vanama grew in size as he covered the sky and netherworld in his first and second pace. When he was about to take his third pace, Mahabali offered his head. Lord Vishnu granted Mahabali the right to visit his Kingdom in Kerala on Onam by being impressed by his act.

Now, people celebrate Onam filled with many colors, activities, and food in a ten-day-long festivity. Atham, Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom, and Thiruvonam are the ten days of Onam where Thiruvonam is the most important day.

How to Celebrate Onam

The celebrations of Onam mark the Malayam New Year. Several significant events take place over the course of ten days. On the first day, Atham starts at Vamanamoorthy Thrikkakara temple, which is the Vishnu temple. It is the focal structure of Onam. Colorful parades full of meaningful Kerala cultural elements are witnessed with decorated floats. 

Various other fun celebrations and activities take place on other days. "Vallam Kali," the Snake boat race occurs with about 100 boatmen. People make "Pookalam," the art of designing flowers with colored powder in front of their homes. Then there are cultural programs, dance events, martial arts, and sports competitions such as "Thala Panthu Kali" and "Ambeyyal" (archery) throughout the days. The men usually wear traditional "lungi," a wrap-around cloth tied on the lower waist with a shirt.

Traditional folk dances by women are the main attraction of the festival. These dances are synchronized and are in honor of King Mahabali’s arrival. The women wear Kerala saree or Kasavu saree on this day. Another significant event in the festival is the elephant procession. Decorated with flowers and locally designed fabrics, the elephants parade through the streets with people dancing alongside them.

Moreover, people also enjoy shopping, performing prayers, and donating time and food to charity. Many people even hold delicious feasts at their houses and spend time with family and friends.

Countries that Observe Onam

Malayam and Keralites of Kerala and some Southern parts of India celebrate Onam annually between August and September.

Interesting Facts about Onam

Onam is a large harvest festival that is bound to have some interesting facts. Get to know the culture by learning some facts yourself.

• Around 30 types of vegetarian dishes are served on Onam.
• People from different regions of the world are welcome to celebrate the festival.
• It is common to gift gold or silver coins, clothes, accessories, and gadgets to family and friends.
• The three red statues outside people’s homes are made with red sand.
• People serve food on large banana leaves. Some even cook using banana leaves.

Unique Onam Celebration Ideas

Onam is celebrated in every household in Kerala. You can also enjoy the day doing other things besides traditional activities.

• You can wear a traditional dress. Then, visit the temple in the early morning to offer prayers to King Mahabali, his arrival, and seek blessings.
• Decorating your home can be an excellent way to start the festival. Clean and tidy up your house and then make Pookalam designs on the doorstep to welcome guests. You can also use various colors of drapes and unique flowers to decorate your home for the festival.
• Cook some delicious vegetarian dishes and have a nine-course lunch or dinner with your family and friends. Do not forget to use large green banana leaves to serve those delicacies.

Onam Quotes

To wish your family and friends on the auspicious day of Onam, you can use the quotes or wishes below. Spread the joy of the festival and communicate with your loved ones.

 "Colorful Pookalam, lively songs, delicious feasts, complete it with prayers to have a blessed year ahead till the next Onam festival."

"A great Pookalam is an assimilation of the design of assorted bright flowers, ideas, commitment, group work, and perseverance. It imitates life as these are the prerequisites for constructing an outstanding life."

"Life becomes a festival when gaiety and culture blend. Onam delivers the message of both."

FAQ

1. Who celebrates Onam?

Hindus in Kerala and Southern India celebrate Onam. But all people of different religions are welcome to attend.

2. Why is Onam celebrated?

Onam celebrates the demon King Mahabali. People believe that he visits Kerala every year on this day.

3. What are some Onam delicacies?

Some mouthwatering and common Onam delicacies are Kootu curry (a dish made of chickpeas), Olan (white gourd prepared in coconut curry), Kalan (sweet potato and yam coconut curry), Avial (seasonal vegetables in coconut curry), and for dessert, Parippu payasam (a rice kheer dish).