Onam in India

When did the Onam in India start?

About Onam in India Holiday

Onam is a vibrant 10-day festival celebrated in Kerala, India. It is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in Kerala. It is believed to be the celebration of an ancient King Mahabali's visit to the land of Kerala. Onam is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam, which usually falls between August and September in the Gregorian calendar.

Onam marks the beginning of autumn harvest season in Kerala and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. People across the state decorate their houses with flowers, celebrate with dance and music, boat races, bullfighting, and grand feasts known as Sadhya. Onam is an occasion of joy where people from all religions and ages come together with one another to enjoy the festivities.

Onam is also accompanied by the dance form of 'Thiruvathirakali'. This folk dance is performed by a group of women dressed all in white, singing and dancing in circles to the accompaniment of drums. This traditional dance form has its own allure and heightens the festive atmosphere of this colourful celebration.

Onam, India: A Comprehensive Guide

Onam, celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, is a major cultural festival that marks the commencement of the harvest season. The festival goes on for 10 days, usually during the month of August-September, and is filled with joyous music, vibrant colours and a whole lot of merry-making. Onam is an important event that marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, and celebrates the vibrant culture and diverse traditions of Kerala.

History and Origin

Onam has a long and interesting history associated with it. According to Hindu mythology, Onam was celebrated during the reign of King Mahabali who was a beloved ruler from the ancient times. The King was generous and fair in his rule, and had helped the people of Kerala flourish. He was known to have been granted a place in Heaven. This however did not seem to sit right with the Gods who then enlisted the help of Lord Vishnu to dethrone the King. So Lord Vishnu took the form of a small Brahmin, also known as Vamana, to King Mahabali’s court where he requested for a piece of land measuring three steps. Thinking it would have been a meagre request for such a generous king, Vamana unexpectedly grew in size, taking two steps as he measured the Kingdom of the King in Heaven as well as that in the netherworld. The King, realizing what was happening, gave away all that he had and requested Vamana what else he could give; to which the Lord replied he could have his head bow down in obeisance. After Mahabali succumbed to Lord Vishnu’s requests, the King was granted a boon. He was granted a wish that he could visit his beloved people in the form of a spirit during the day of Onam, every year. It is believed that the King arrives during Onam and the festival of Onam thus, celebrates the homecoming of Mahabali.

Significance and Meaning

Onam symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It has both spiritual and material significances.On the spiritual front, it marks the return of the beloved King Mahabali the people of Kerala. The festival pays tribute to the King and his virtuous rule by conducting more than a week long festivities and invoking his blessings for a prosperous year. On a material level, it marks the abundance of the harvest season of Kerala. The people of Kerala are known to be deeply religious and the festival celebrates new beginnings, peace, joy and prosperity.

Onam, as a cultural festival, is also a platform to showcase Kerala’s heritage and culture. Performances such as traditional folk music, dance and martial arts give a peek into the rich culture of the state. It is also another occasion for the people of Kerala to come together and celebrate, irrespective of their religion or caste.

Traditions and Celebrations

Onam is celebrated in grandeur and is accompanied by a myriad of traditional practices. From the first day of the celebration known as Atham, to the main day of Thiruonam, the festival is marked with a variety of activities. The preparation of Onam usually begins a month before the commencement of the festival. ‘Pookolam’ or flower rangolis are made in the courtyards of the houses to welcome the return of Mahabali. Traditional songs are also a part of the 10-day festivities.

The main day of the festival is known as Thiruonam, when traditional rice dishes and dishes like ‘Payasam’ and ‘Kalan’ are prepared. People also take part in ‘Vallam Kali’ or boat races. Onam is celebrated differently by various social and cultural groups in Kerala and the festivities and practices of each are unique to the culture and traditions of the respective groups.

Geographical Spread

Onam is celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the state and brings people from all social and cultural backgrounds together. The festival is also celebrated in parts of neighbouring states, especially those with sizeable populations of people from Kerala. Even in other parts of India, particularly in the metropolitan cities, Onam is celebrated with traditional fervour and fanfare as Malayali populations living in other parts find ways to find their way back home for the occasion.

Modern Day Observations

Despite its traditional roots, Onam has managed to gain a global visibility in the contemporary times. People have found ways to keep the spirit of the festival alive, even though festivities may have to be toned down as per pandemic precautions. Celebrations include making Pookolas from paper cut-outs and arranging online Onam competitions. Special musical concerts, performances and ritualistic ceremonies are now conducted virtually to commemorate the festival.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala and is celebrated by the people of the state in August-September every year.

• The festival is celebrated with traditional fervour, dance and music, boat races and food.

• Onam is closely associated with the legendary King Mahabali and celebrates his return to Kerala every year.

• The most significant ritual of Onam is making the ‘Pookalam’, a flower rangoli or carpet.

• Onam is celebrated in Kerala as well across the country and among the Malayali population across the globe.

• The festival is celebrated virtually due to pandemic restrictions.

Conclusion

Onam is a colourful cultural festival celebrated by the people of Kerala that marks the harvest season and the homecoming of the beloved King Mahabali. Despite modern day obstacles, the festival celebrates unity, joy and prosperity. Its unique rituals, dances and music make it truly unique and provide an insight into the vibrant culture of the people of Kerala.

How to Say "Onam in India" In Different Languages?