Onam is one of the most cherished and vibrant festivals celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. Rooted in a rich cultural heritage, this harvest festival marks the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali and the celebration of prosperity and unity. Falling in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which usually occurs in August or September, Onam is a festival of grandeur, combining rituals, cultural displays, feasts, and fun.
Historical and Mythological Significance of Onam
At the heart of Onam is the myth of King Mahabali, an asura (demon) king who ruled Kerala with great wisdom and kindness. His reign is remembered as a golden age when the people lived in abundance and harmony. According to legend, Mahabali’s growing popularity among his subjects made the gods envious, and they sought the intervention of Lord Vishnu. Disguised as the dwarf Brahmin Vamana, Vishnu tricked Mahabali into giving up his kingdom, but granted him the boon to return to his people once every year. Onam, thus, celebrates the annual visit of the beloved king, signifying Kerala’s sense of unity, gratitude, and joy.
Ten Days of Onam Festivities
Onam is celebrated over ten days, each day having its own unique name and significance. The festivities begin on Atham and culminate on Thiruvonam, the most important day of the festival.
1. Atham
The first day marks the start of the celebrations. People begin decorating their houses with intricate floral carpets, known as Pookalam, a tradition that continues until Thiruvonam. The Pookalam starts small and gets more elaborate with each passing day.
2. Chithira
On the second day, people clean their houses and prepare for the grand festivities ahead. New flowers are added to the Pookalam.
3. Chodhi
On this day, families start shopping for new clothes, known as Onakkodi, which they will wear during the festival.
4. Vishakam
Considered one of the most auspicious days of Onam, Vishakam is when preparations for the grand Onam Sadya (feast) begin. People shop for ingredients, and competitions in various games and sports begin across the state.
5. Anizham
Anizham is noted for the Vallamkali, or the traditional boat race. In many regions of Kerala, snake boats race through the backwaters, attracting large crowds and adding a thrilling spectacle to the celebrations.
6. Thriketa
On this day, people return to their ancestral homes, marking the beginning of family reunions. Pookalams grow in size and beauty.
7. Moolam
Small-scale versions of the Onam Sadya are organized, and Pulikali (tiger dance) and Kathakali performances become common sights in public spaces.
8. Pooradam
The preparations for Thiruvonam intensify, and people create clay idols of Mahabali and Vamana, which are placed in the middle of the Pookalam as a mark of reverence.
9. Uthradam
Known as the first Onam, Uthradam is regarded as the day when Mahabali reaches Kerala. It is a day of feasting and joy as families get together to celebrate the king’s arrival.
10. Thiruvonam
The grand finale, Thiruvonam, is the most significant day of Onam. Houses are decorated with large Pookalams, and a grand Onam Sadya is prepared. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and come together to share in the joy of the festival. The Sadya, a lavish vegetarian banquet, is the highlight of the day, served on banana leaves and consisting of over 25 dishes.
The Iconic Onam Sadya
No Onam celebration is complete without the Onam Sadya, a grand vegetarian feast that is an integral part of the festival. The Sadya is traditionally served on a banana leaf and features a wide variety of dishes, each symbolizing the abundance of the harvest season. The typical Sadya includes:
- Rice – the main dish
- Sambar – a lentil-based vegetable stew
- Avial – a thick mixture of vegetables, curd, and coconut
- Kootu curry – a dish made from Bengal gram and vegetables
- Pachadi and Kichadi – yogurt-based side dishes
- Olan – a dish made with ash gourd and cowpeas
- Thoran – a dry vegetable stir-fry
- Pickles and pappadam
- Payasam – a sweet pudding made from rice, milk, and sugar or jaggery
The Sadya is a community meal, where everyone sits together, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness, which is central to the spirit of Onam.
Cultural Performances and Games
Onam is not just about feasting; it is also a time for showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through various art forms and traditional games. Some of the key cultural elements of Onam include:
1. Vallamkali (Boat Race)
The boat race, particularly the Snake Boat Race, is one of the most thrilling spectacles during Onam. These massive snake-shaped boats, rowed by hundreds of oarsmen, race against each other along Kerala's serene backwaters, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
2. Pulikali (Tiger Dance)
Pulikali is a folk art where performers paint themselves as tigers and hunters and dance to the beats of traditional instruments. This lively and colorful performance is a crowd favorite during Onam.
3. Kathakali and Other Dance Forms
Traditional Kerala dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Thiruvathirakali are performed during Onam. These dance forms narrate stories from Hindu mythology, showcasing Kerala’s classical arts.
4. Onakalikal (Traditional Games)
Various traditional games and sports are played during Onam, known collectively as Onakalikal. These include Uriyadi (a game similar to the Indian version of breaking the piñata), tug-of-war, archery, and indoor games like chess and cards.
The Spirit of Onam: Unity and Prosperity
Onam, while deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, transcends religious boundaries. It is celebrated by people of all faiths across Kerala, reflecting the state’s inclusive culture. The festival signifies unity, prosperity, and communal harmony. Families reunite, and communities come together to celebrate the bounties of nature, the joy of togetherness, and the legacy of Mahabali’s rule.
Onam is more than just a festival for the people of Kerala—it is a reflection of the state's values, its rich traditions, and its unwavering spirit of unity and celebration. From the grand Sadya to the exhilarating Vallamkali, from the vibrant Pulikali to the intricate Pookalams, Onam continues to be a celebration of life in all its abundance and diversity.
