Onam is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in Kerala. It
falls in the Malyali month of Chingam, marking the end of the life-giving monsoon
and the advent of spring.
 Mythologically,
the event celebrates the annual visit of King Mahabali. According to a legend
in Vishnu Purana, Mahabali was a demon king, and through severe penance had gained
dominion over the three worlds. He was an able and just ruler and his people adored
him. The gods however, shorn of their powers and deprived of their abode and the
spoils from sacrifices performed on earth, asked Vishnu for help. He agreed, and
took his fourth incarnation of Vamana, the dwarf. Accordingly, he was born to
Sage Kashyapa and his consort Aditi. When he attained maturity, he went to the
court of Mahabali, who was in the midst of a sacrifice. The virtuous Bali saw
the Brahmin and immediately asked him what he desired. Vamana begged for as much
land as he could encompass with three steps. Bali agreed to the humble request
but as soon as the sacrificial water was poured on Vamana's hands, he became a
giant. With one step he covered the earth, with the second step the heavens. As
there was no place to claim his third step, Bali offered his head as a resting
ground. Vishnu put his foot on Bali's head and pushed him down to the netherworld.
However, in recognition of his virtues, Vishnu made him king of the Asuras. At
Bali's request, Vishnu allowed him to return to earth to visit his people once
a year .It is believed that Mahabali visits his people in Kerala during Onam.
It has now been historically established that a king named Mahabali ruled over
the region of Onam modern Kerala around the 4th century AD. He was a powerful
and just king and his dynasty ruled over Kerala for about 150 years.
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| The return of their erstwhile king is celebrated
by the Keralites with tremendous enthusiasm and vigor. Kerala wears a festive
look during these four days. Every house is cleaned and decorated. Doorways are
adorned with rangoli and flowers. Pukkalam, or floral decorations consisting of
garlands and flower petals, are an essential inclusion in all decorations since
traditionally, flowers are used to welcome people. Flowers are also symbolic of
innocence and freshness, which the season brings with it. Every day the old flowers
are replaced with new ones. According to a local belief, the better the house
is decorated, the greater the chance of King Mahabali entering it. Here Bali signifies
the harvest, and the visit of Mahabali actually symbolizes a good harvest. As
Kerala is still largely agricultural, people celebrate this event with enthusiasm.
Sumptuous feasts are also prepared on all days during Onam. |
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| Although the festival centers on the myth of Mahabali
and Vishnu, it also celebrates the advent to the harvest season. It is not just
the commemoration of the return of a great king who bestowed prosperity and happiness
on his people, but also the veneration of the harvest that indicates wealth and
joy. On all the four days, the family prays to Vishnu and sings songs in praise
of King Mahabali who, through his humility, won Vishnu's honor and respect. Women
sing and dance in the evenings. Vallom Kallies or the snake boat races form an
important part of Onam celebrations. Some of the sites famous for these races
are Aranmula on the Pamba River in the Kuttanad region, Papiyad near Quilon, and
Thayathangadi near Kottayam. |
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