Onam

Onam is origin of Kerala, it is an annual harvest festive. Generally the malayali Hindus celebrate this festival as a New year day.

Let us walk with myth

According to our Hindu mythology, Prahlada was a son of demon dictator Hiranyakashyap. Prahlada despite being born to demonic “Asura” father who is hatter of Vishnu, he worshipped Lord Vishnu and also rebelled against his father. So Hiranyakashyap tried to kill his son, Lord Vishnu destroyed him in his Narasimha Avatar.

Mahabali was a grandson of Prahlada, he came to power by defeating the gods (Deva’s) and taking over the three worlds. The Deva’s approached Lord Vishnu for defeating Mahabali as he was a good ruler and devotee of his own, so refused to defeat him in battle, instead Lord Vishnu decided to test his devotion. Mahabali declared that he would perform Yajna after his success and grant anyone on any request during Yajna. Lord Vishnu took Vamana Avatar(a small boy) and approached Mahabali, the king offered everything the boy wished for, finally he requested for land that measures “three paces”, Mahabali agreed.

Vamana grew and covered everything with two paces, i.e., both the boologa and Devaloga and Mahabali offered himself for the third pace. Lord Vishnu accepted the devotion and offered a boon to him. Mahabali can visit the world he ruled for once in a year. This revisit of Mahabali is celebrated as Onam.

Celebrations

Celebrations starts with Athachamayam (Elephant march), Onam sadya (traditional nine or more course vegetarian meal served on banana leaf) Vallan Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower arrangement), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women's dance), Kummati kali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and other celebrations.

 By
Suji Narayan